Echoes of Eternity

Hear the stories.

We sort through the spoils of killing the Daelkyr. This appears to have been a massive treasury at some point. There was still a locked door that appeared to have some form of magical trap. It was disarmed after a few tries and I felt a rush of energy spew from the door. Inside was a resting place for artifacts. Giant artifacts that seemed to shrink to our size when held. These were meant to kill my people. Each used in a different way to help detect and find them. I don’t want to kill my people however from fighting might need to happen and these will become useful.

We speak with the King of the Dark Elves to ensure that the treasury is guarded until we can figure out what to do with the shard. Rilmage has decided that he wants to leave and see some of the world. I wonder what introducing the dark elves to the rest of the world will do to our future. What will killing this Daelkyr do to the future.

We head to Sharn to sell our goods. While there I unfortunately needed to purchase a psionic item and ran in to the ambassador. They know of my deeds in Xendrick. It is better now that I do not say anything. I am closer to helping them survive, but they will not understand my intent for now. I will keep my time here to a minimum and hopefully we do not need to spend much more time in this time.

One year roughly of end of time retraining, and crafting

We decide to check on a few things to see what has changed. The Library in Orlast is now a public library and maintained by the Golden Flame and the Order of Faith. It also appears the warforged were never slaves and the statues of them in the ruins are gone. I need to free Xerxus and give him his mission. There are Drow that live south of Allieua, not a bad outcome for making sure there people survive. Rilmage is somehow still alive in our present. He lives in Bright and his personality has changed a bit.

We head to the Fey lands only a day later than when Xerxus was deposited in to the tree. My aura helps supress the insanity inside of him and I attempt to break him from the curse however I am not strong enough to do so. Luckily Gilroy uses his ability to heal to remove what curses Xerxus. One of the artifacts we found was a sphere that fits perfectly inside Xerxus’s chest hole and it awakens as he puts it in. I can speak telepathically with her. Her name is Sheera and she was a Quori. This was another failed attempt by my people. I take the heart of the living machine, my soul, and we bring Xerxus back to Bright.

We head back to the time before the war on Bright to find Xerxus. He was in the woods on a normal patrol. We give him the sphere and heart of the living machine again so that he can bring them to Sarington and help protect Alacor while giving him what he needs to properly restore me when he does.

This turns out to be more successful than I would have imagined. The terrors of Sarington never happened and Alacor does not turn. Xerxus as well is still there and second in command. Hopefuly we can continue to make positive changes like this and save time. I feel as though we are close, and yet so far away.

2017-02-11

It seemed as though we had gotten a handle on this battle. The flesh tower had sustained some damage. We were progressively eliminating all the other abominations. Then, he arrived. The Daelkyr emerged through a portal at the base of the tower. His aura of grandeur and power emanated through the area. What a smug prick. Upon his arrival, Gilroy, his angel that he summoned, and Lukar lost their minds. It would appear my potential ancestor is going to be a liability.

Following shortly behind him were several other abominations – two huge clawed otherworldly creatures, four floating eye creatures, and two more beholders. The clawed aliens quickly approached us. I discerned quickly that they possess an aura that attempts to dispel magic. That’s convenient. Arius acted swiftly and removed the onset of insanity from the others and then summoned the great phoenix of the flame, which opened with a magnificent firestorm, incinerating the enemies in the room. Lukar and I continued as we had planned. We can’t ignore what has been attacking us.

In a flash of brilliance, Gilroy called upon the golden flame to grant him power and also called upon the the ancient knights of the flame to assist us in combat. Thirteen knights began a group onslaught on our foes with a firestorm, which roasted everything in the cavern.

Following suit, Dazen called upon the green mother for additional power and attempted to lower the Daelkyr’s resistance to magic, to no avail.

The Daelkyr’s retaliation came in the form of entering into melee combat with Gilroy, where his strike appear to drain his life essence. It also seemed to have some kind of gaze attack, but it didn’t take affect. Meanwhile, the clawed creatures fired a poisonous breath weapon, infecting Lukar.

After all the damage done to it, the one Dazen referred to as his friend retreated into the portal. I constructed a wall of light around the portal to inconvenience anyone who would be reinforcing the enemy. Arius then repositioned everyone appropriately so the correct people could flank the appropriate foes.

Gilroy granted holy power to everyone around him and then used a dimensional blade spell to strike the Daelkyr, heavily wounding it. In response, it turned Rhylmage into a pile of corpses, drained a significant portion of Gilroy’s life, and mutated everyone in the room. I now have raw, elemental energy coursing through my bloodstream.

In desperation, I called to Oleon for power and released a firestorm of my own to clean up any remaining inconvenient creatures. Meanwhile, Arius strikes a bargain with the Daelkyr trapped inside Gilroy, and gains newfound power and attempts to inflict pain, which does not take affect.

After his initial attempt to pierce his defenses, Dazen resorted to potent acid blasts, and between that and Gilroy firmly lodging his holy avenger deep inside the Daelkyr, it was slain. The corpse pile found it appropriate to eat the dead tree abominations.

We decided to pursue the remaining eye creature that we thought was holding onto Dazen and Gilroy’s memories. It pleaded with us not to kill it, and with the remaining bit of what Olean granted me, I turned this ancient elf back to normal, and Rhylmage. Apparently this once-again elf is quite scholarly and knowledgeable. Perhaps he will be of use since he has been displaced so far out of time with his kin. From here, we have a temple of vast treasure to explore.

What's next?

On the 24th of Nymm we returned to Flamekeep to catch up on goings on. Arius was the first to speak, and he spoke at length about (female) Alacor, with whom he “shared everything” about the past, present, and the future. Jayden, as always, asked whether this was for the best, and I’m glad he asked (for once) because I wondered the same. Arius was able to answer very quickly, convincing me that Alacor (in this form) is very interested in the same goals as our group.

As for what he learned, there are several important points. 1) Arius believes he can save Sarrington between “now” and the collapse of the planes. His experience with the Plane of Dreams attempting to break through during the ritual to make Saber gave him some insight, and maybe some confidence. 2) He seems certain Xerxes was meant to give Arius his soul so that his memories would be restored, thereby preventing his “evil” nature from taking control as it did once. 3) The memory shards we once believed belonged to Alacor are actually mind shards of Arius. Gilroy asked immediately if there was a mind seed of Arius in his brain… and Arius could not answer in specific terms. 4) Arius’s soul, he thinks, was being shepherded by Vinder (Vindral’s father). 5) In Xendric, Arius believes there is a magical relic or place of importance, guarded by Umbergen (drow).

In addition to generating leads of what to do next, Arius also mentioned he tasked Alacor with purging the church of rotten eggs, as well as studying the Plane of Dreams to prevent the collapse in Sarrington.

Gilroy, over the past two months, had been working tirelessly with the Church of Golden Flame. A rather extensive library of the church’s teachings and history has been established, which I appreciate as a student of magic. He also spoke with the new Keeper about the fleshwarped creatures currently residing on (in?) Vindral, and Thokishsty believes they can be cleansed by the Golden Flame as was the breastplate. The church, he mentioned is working towards demilitarization, in hopes that paladins will remain a dedicated arm of the church meant to fight evil, not politics. Speaking of politics, Gilroy hopes that as we move from city to city (as will others), we can root out the corrupt members of the church, like the Hierophant of Sharn, who is currently on her way to Flamekeep to meet the new Keeper. At least, that’s what she believes. It’s actually a way to get her in the Chamber of Flame and confront her. I am greatly looking forward to that meeting, as are several others, especially Gilroy.

Gilroy then brought up a powerful vision he had a few weeks after the rest of us left Flamekeep. It sounds like the Flame is stronger now, able to reach out to more people directly, not just the Keeper. Saber confirmed this, echoing Thokishsty’s thoughts. The vision, likely given to him by the Flame, featured a lithe bipedal form surrounded by robed figures. Gilroy believes the lithe figure (possibly demonic of undead) was contesting for control of the skull. But, as Jayden said, we “beat it”, so I am sure we will never hear from that person/creature in the future (present future or future future)…

Lastly, I brought up my planned trip to Stormhome, to meet with Thordrin D’Lyrindar from the Twelve. As always, the others knew far more about the city than I, and so the group decided we would travel together. Braun was especially excited at the idea, for Stormhome is a resort island and a bustling city.

So that afternoon (the 24th), we left for Stormhome via Jayden’s plant travel. We split up almost immediately. Gilroy and Arius went to explore the city together, while Braun went to find us a place to stay and gather some information for me on the head of Gilroy’s “family”. Jayden transformed into a mouse and stayed in my pocket, so that I was not alone during my meeting with Thoradrin. Aurora left to buy some local clothing and learn more about the city and its inhabitants. Lukar stayed behind and did not join us for the trip.

2016-10-8

In light of our pending foray into the underground, we decided it would be best to be at full strength and retrieve Lukar from Flamekeep. Upon our return into the warning chamber, I stumbled upon a Swordmaster’s Blindfold. It was among one of the many skeletons that littered the chamber. No doubt this was overlooked while ambushing some unsuspecting treasure hunters. Arius and I had a bit of a dispute over whether or not I should put it back. Fortunately, Rylmaje interrupted the uncomfortable situation, which prompted me to hand it over to him. I don’t see how it is my fault that people are careless about their spoils of war. I’m sure Arius was pleased since it made us look good to them or some such nonsense.

Rylmaje assessed our preparedness for combat down here. Upon learning of Gilroy and Arius’ inability to see in the dark, he retreated to his home and retrieved a wand of darkvision for obvious reasons. He didn’t particularly care for Gilroy’s use of his halo in order to light the path. Once we were prepared, we made our way through a maze of tunnels to where we were expecting a caravan of captured elves were to be brought through. If I didn’t know better, I would have been expected to be ambushed. Rylmaje does seem to be honorable, however.

We arrived at the cave and set up an ambush of our own. As a magma elemental, I waited inside of a stalagmite, while the rest concealed themselves behind others. Eventually, the caravan arrived. Four creatures known as Skaros, as well as six Mind Flayers were escorting ten drow and one human clergyman of the Silver Flame. We opened combat with Lukar using the ability of his new helmet to outright slay one of the mind flayers. Arius followed up by disintegrating another. I summoned earth elementals to keep more busy. Dazen threw around witch fire and lightning, while Gilroy and Valeforasten handled the rest. Rylmaje proved to be quite lethal in his skulking through the shadows as well.

When the dust settled, we spoke briefly with the clergyman and escorted him back to the Flame Keep and the drow that were not part of Rylmaje’s home out of the caves. We were taken in a completely different way so that it would be excessively difficult to learn the paths of the caves. When all was done, we returned to the warning cave, where Rylmaje escorted us to his home.

I didn’t know what to expect from an underground city, but I have to admit, I was impressed. I thought only dwarves would be able to create spaces like this. Rylmaje took us to his dwelling, which seemed to be housing styled for multiple single people, like a barracks or something like that. He told us a bit about his people and the Vault where all their knowledge is kept. That part sounded like a good place to find forgotten magic. Perhaps something useful could be acquired there. Unfortunately, I got the impression that we didn’t have specific direction as to where we will be going next. I thought we were supposed to go handle the Dalkir that was down here as soon as possible. That seems like it might be more difficult than expected.

The process of moving the soul from the fort to the skull has been a taxing one. However it has been an enlightening one all the same. It is a good thing I did not let him do it alone. The plane of dreams tried to crash down upon the area and I held it back. It was a spur of the moment occurrence, but I think it can be replicated on a larger scale. I will need to speak with Alacor about this and other things.

A moon appeared at one point, the moon of Sypheros I believe. Someone or something wants this to be done and doesn’t want others knowing what is happening. Finally after 2 months this is coming to a close:

A crude archway stands before you adorned with vines and simple flowers running up the sides. Fastened to the rungs on the sides you see what appear to be 8 bird nests, four on each side. The nests contain reagents that Jaden has been collecting over the last several days. In the top two nests, sit large nightshards that glisten in the twilight. Next, on the left sits black lotus with death lily mirroring it on the right. After that, onyx gems sitting in vampire dust. Finally, hanging from the middle by a silver wire is the skull that will contain the spirit of the fortress with a small bell wedged between the teeth in its mouth.

Jaden moves to the other side of the archway opposite the group and gestures for Dazen to stand mirroring him. He then has Lukar stand on one of the sides of the archway to Jaden’s left and asks to expose his dragon mark. Lastly, Braun stands on the other side of the archway to Jaden’s right. Jaden begins chanting the incantation as the ley lines beneath the archway light up beneath him and channel inward. He begins raising his hands, palm outward to chest level to make a 90 degree angle (so that his palms face Lukar and Braun). In doing so, Dazen and Braun’s hands instinctively raise the same way. Natural energy from Braun channels out to Jaden and Dazen, which traverse their bodies mixing with the energy of the ley lines and complete the circuit at Lukar’s dragon mark. A faint light begins to emanate from the eyes of the skull…

Once it was completed we spoke with the skull and found out it is alligned with the golden flame. As much as I do not care for religion and divine casting it appears there is no getting away from it. The golden flame seems to be empowering more and more around me.

I need to do more research on my people in this time to figure out what happened all those years ago. The best place to do that here will be Arcanix. I believe others have research they need to do as well.

Arius’s notes on the happenings in Xendrick:

Before elves warred upon the giants
Quori were warring from dalkor
Wanted to prevent a magical battle with giants
Quori brought war to them
War lasted 1000 years
Giants won
Giants are the reason Dalkor never comes into alignment with eberron however it still touches it
The war severely damaged xendrick
Some magic went rampant
Part of xendrick went into the ocean
Most of the ruins that have been explored are just south of Storm Reach
The giant ruins are in the central part
West and southwest have not been explored
3 powerful groups in the giants
The ones that were combative with quori were the Sulat
There are ruins that show reference of them
Military of nature based on buidings
Had large focus of major desert area of xendrick
Pretty sure there are mention of the Quori army, by the way people wrote in text it seems the quori had a “controlled” army. I’m pretty sure that meant they had living constructs
Seems like warforged which is strange because they were created during the last war and this was a long time ago
Giants learn arcane magic from dragons
Dragons saw continuing evolution of giants so they taught them magic
Giants started taking it to a dark place and using blood magic

From the first day I started working with this group of people I knew something was different about them. I’ve been studying them for quite some time now and I’ve quickly learned that nothing is out of the realm of possibilities for them. In fact, I believe they live in a realm of infinite possibilities. The people they know and who value their input such as the new keeper of the flame Thakashti is only something I could’ve attained had I been dragon marked and not cursed, although extremely helpful in situations, with this outcast of a mark. This mark is always something I’ve kept hidden for fear of being shunned at best and killed at worst; but with them I feel as though I do not need to hide it from them, they seem more interested in the abilities it grants me rather than the disdain that society dictates they should have for it.
As for the events that have taken place with this group they have been quite harrowing and at times flat out deadly. I must say it has been quite invigorating as it has been quite some time since I last saw this much action. Most of my days in Thrane had been spent growing my house’s influence and political capital. Now I’m back in the field again, the tip of the spear, and it has rejuvenated me. As dangerous as the combat has been I finally felt at home again doing something I greatly excelled at. As fast as the combat came it was all over just as quickly. We met with Thakashti to discuss the governing future of Thrane. Most of the group was for a representative form of government which personally I would have preferred to hand the power back to queen but I felt a representative form of government was most fair for all parties involved, maybe we can get someone of house Thurrani on this council, I wouldn’t mind filling that role; one can’t be a dealer of death forever.
Then came the time for my entire world to be flipped upside down and turned inside out. I knew my compatriots had mentioned they were time travelers but always brushed it off as some delusion of grandeur, the queen had asked me to work with them so I always felt it was best for group cohesion to just go along with such a ridiculous story. Turns out this non-sense they had been speaking of was in fact as true as rain is wet. Their airship was in fact their time travelling device. I’m not sure how it works or if I really even want to know how it works for fear of getting caught in an infinite loop of thought. All of what happen seemed to be a blur. We travelled to 5,000 years into the future and then proceed to teleport all over the place to see if anything had changed. Believe me when I tell you everything has changed the future is not anywhere close to what we in the present picture it to be. There are ruins everywhere, cities submerged, and populations decimated. No person from my time should have to bear witness to this. To see the future can only make one beyond paranoid. Thankfully we travelled so far into the future that there was not a chance of learning of my own personal death. For the rest of my group everything was as they left it saying nothing has changed. It makes me wonder if the future was once glorious and these time travelers made a mistake and are now attempting to redeem themselves. And as if my head wasn’t already spinning fast enough I finally saw Jaden’s true form, my grandfather, yet he claims he has no idea who he is and has never heard of him which would be one thing if he simply looked similar but even identical twins don’t look this much alike. The group keeps having step on these rune circles to see if it will light up blue for me but nothing happens. I don’t fully understand but they seem intrigued and puzzled as to why it won’t light up for me. Maybe its because I am not from their time or who’s ever time this is, maybe it’s because of my mark, or maybe it’s the universes idea of some meaningless joke.

PS
We went to the very end of time because that is a place in case any of those reading this were wondering. Apparently I am the Dark Mother’s secret son. As if the mystery of time travel wasn’t great enough the universe has decided to throw another one at me.

Rebirth

After dispatching the last group of possessed guards, we came to the Keeper’s hall. Before us were doors too heavy to force open with no discernible latches or handles. My witchfire acid made short work of the doors, but we were too late.

On the floor lay the fragile body of a young girl, too young for the burden of the church, and far too young for death. Around the room were all manner of creatures, including some creature pretending to be the queen. I could see the illusion magic wrapped around its form, but still, I confirmed the queen’s presence with Arorra. Our enemies were not few in number: shadow demons, demons whose appearance were akin to birds of prey, a boar-headed demon, priests, and blue-gray demons wielding fiery swords. Most were spread throughout the room, but the priests surrounded the hierophants, and among them I could see Thokishtay, cut and bruised.

Lukar was the first to gather his wits, calling upon what I suspected was a birthmark ability, which summoned undead. While our enemies made short work of the ghouls and ghast, I’m glad they absorbed the hits for us. Then the 5 shadow demons cast shadow fireballs at our group, and Gilroy’s aura of resistance saved all but Arius and I. Even still, Arius’s will was too much for him to believe in such illusions, as was mine. Seeing the failures of the shadow demons, the bird demons stopped their manical dancing and screeched, stunning Lukar, giving the “queen” an opportunity to say: “If you do not leave this place we will be forced to kill all of them.” In response I shouted “PRETENDER” and cast summon swarm to gather the necessary power to summon the 3 sisters. During my casting, the boar demon tried feebleminding me, but my strength of will, bolstered by Gilroy’s grace helped me shrug it off. Arius used sensory cascade on the vrocks, overwhelming their senses as he recalled knowledge for each creature in the room. Gilroy channeled, healing many of us, floated his shield in front of him, and then lit in a golden fire as he called upon his pact to smite evil. The boar demon was his target.

The shadow demons tried their luck at possessing someone, probably Lukar, as he was still stunned by the Vrocks. They were not successful, as his mind was protected from evil. Braun moved with me, readying himself to attack, as two vrocks broke through the sensory cascade and attack Gilroy and Lukar. The blue-gray demons spewed boiling blood onto the hierophants as the queen moved to pick up the keeper’s body. Just then, I felt the power of nature flow through me as I called Sinlay, Mindolin, and Sandara. They appeared with looks of disgust upon their faces, struggling to see me through the crowd of enemies. They began striking the boar demon, but its hide proved resistant to their attacks. I moved into the room next to them, the Vrocks attacks passing through my stardust form. Then the nalfeshnee tried dispelling me, but the dust form again protected me from its power. Sensing the urgency of the situation, Arius assaulted the “queen” with his power, and disintegrated her, saving the keeper from what I assume is a fate worse than death. Jayden, struggling to decide his best course of action, summoned a wall of blinding light around the hierophants, protecting them, but also blinding them. And while the light was bright and beautiful, it paled in comparison to the radiance Gilroy began to emanate as he turned into an aspect of the heavens. The wall of light and Gilroy’s transformation scared the priests into moving away and turning invisible.

Though stunned, Lukar activated another family power: death ward, as the shadow demons fled from the room. Braun came to my side again, preparing to assist the sisters and Gilroy, as Captain Malik came in through the hallway. He looked tired, angry, distressed, changed, covered in black flame. “You killed her!?” pointing to Gilroy with his great sword, calling upon his own malevolent pact. Sensing the additional danger, Gilroy spread his holy light out to the sisters, giving them holy power to dispatch the nalfeshnee. I tried holding Malik in place, empowering it with my crown, but his will was too strong, like an evil version of Gilroy. Arius whipped egos while Jayden created a fire storm, burning almost every enemy remaining the chamber. Then, Gilroy ran forward and jumped into the Flame.

I’m not certain if Gilroy has shared everything that happened with us, but I know his faith was confirmed that day, and nothing will break it now. I think he saved the Flame, and I think he saved the rest of us. An instant later, he returned and all the fires in the room changed to a golden hue. And much to his relief, Gilroy called out for his companion, Valefor, and in a rush of golden fire and scintillating scales, he appeared, announcing his greater strength with not only a verbal statement, but a flame strike. Guards tried to attack Valefor, but they fail, while Malik attacks Gilroy and almost kills him. I pierced the magical resistance of Malik, lowering it for the others, but failed to do the same on the nalfeshnee. Taking advantage of his lower resistance, Arius inflicted pain on Malik, and then brutalized his wounds. Ifreet, who Arius summoned seconds earlier, created a river of flame through the seven blue-gray demons, killing all but one. Jayden cast banishment, return two vrock from whence they came. Gilroy called upon the golden flame to smite Malik, but Malik struck a mighty blow, killing GIlroy.

Lukar studied new targets to attack as Dazen asked that he help Gilroy, who was brought back to life by Valefor, who announced “I will bring him back as many times as it takes to put you down”. Braun moved up next to Malik, in preparation to fight with the sisters and Gilroy. But again, Malik smites Gilroy and kills him, though Valefor, true to his word, brings him back. Frustrated and scared, I tried sending Malik into the beyond, but he resisted, however, Arius took advantage of the distraction and used dissipating touch on Malik, killing him once and for all.

With the battle over, healing energy poured over the room from Gilroy, Dazen, and the hierophants, and just then, golden flame erupted around Thokishtay. Apparently the flame, like Gilroy, has matured, and decided a grown woman was a better choice for the role of Keeper.

Once the deceased keeper’s body was put to rest, her body burned in golden fire, bursting to life again as a phoenix sprang from her ashes. The phoenix’s voice was that of a child, and she asked politely if she could join with “Mr. Arius”. I haven’t seen Arius smile much in the time I’ve known him, but at the question, he grinned. Thokistay informed Gilroy that should he have need of it, the power of the Golden Flame will join with him. I suspect it will give him the level of abilities I receive when I called upon the Green Mother. And she also tells him that the knights of old will come to his aid if he calls on them. Obviously pleased, Gilroy too was smiling as she announced his new title.

In private, Thokishtay asked us our thoughts on the politics of Thrane. Should it be run by the Church, or the royal family? Or something else? I know my feelings… we’ll see what the others have to say.

Whispering Darkness

We were on a mission to a nearby ruined town, guarding the Queen, and investigating the rumors of the undead. It was an ambush. Hired assassins were there to greet us, or rather, me. Someone had hired one of the killing houses to assassinate me. Evidently I am a threat to the status quo.

Thankfully though I fell to the dark shadows thankfully by the grace of my friends I survived. Arius brought me to the healing hands of Thakshtay and Arrora’s mysterious psionics were able to subdue the assassins.

Gavin was able to use his black magic to dominate the minds of the weak. It’s a power we’ve warned about and been victim to before. Strange that he relies on it so. But there is a greater evil at hand than bending the minds of others. And while it is distasteful sometimes we must compromise. At least no life is lost and that is a blessing.

After much debate it is decided to go see the Silver Flame and speak directly to the Keeper. During my prayers I could feel a dark pressing on my heart. It was a suffocating, cloying feeling. It was fear. We had to leave immediately.

Teleporting, in to the cathedral we were greeted with a series of shadow demons and their possessed victims. I was able to dispel some of the spirits and we saved many knights. But some fell to their domination. This is what happens when Dazen’s power is wielded by a heart of darkness. I must ensure his remains on the side of light though the source of his power is on the edge of night.

Charging through the cathedral we gathered our full might and arrived at the door to the Chamber of the Silver Flame. It was sealed and inside we could hear the echoes of screams. Demons were openly attacking.

Dazen blasts a hole through the door as no other magic or strength can get us through. Inside is a scene of nightmares. The Keeper is slain. Dancing demons have poured open their black souls into the Flame. The Traitors are here with someone who appears to be the Queen. My thoughts go to Arrora, neither here alive nor dead.

I look to my friends who have brought me here. They make me strong. But I must be stronger now. I know what must be done.

2016-06-18

I am starting to think we’re getting sidetracked from our objective. I spent a significant amount of time with this queen now where nothing has happened. The bureaucracy that Monarchs have to deal with is so tedious. On top of that people bring the most petty of problems to the person with theoretically the most power. It’s no wonder why this land got wrecked by war. We need to find a time period to go to that isn’t too far into the future from here. Right now, we’re about 5000 years before the next closest era and there is little to no information about Eberron. We’re wandering blind and aside from Gilroy’s problem, there does not seem to be anything to do here. The only mildly interesting piece of information I’ve gathered is that the guard captain wants the queen to disassociate from us. I can’t really blame him to be honest. He has to know he’s in over his head at this point.

The rest of the group decided to go back to the storage area at the inn. It’s empty with no sign of anything to work with, so Dazen, Gilroy and Lukar headed to the ruined part of town to look for some clue of what has been going on while Arius remained to listen to the candle. In doing so, they stumbled on a what they suspected to be a shifter house with a sublevel and an altar for worshipping deities that are not the Silver Flame. Did people really come to destroy others for worshipping a different god? I guess no matter how advanced a civilization is, primal arrogance is always in play. The altar had a charred silver flame on it with some notes around it. Apparently the flame was desecrated in some way and Gilroy channeling his holy power was able to cleanse it. In investigating similar structures, other sublevels were found along with one that was trapped to burn those who enter, but not magically. That is at least interesting.

Later at night, voices from the candle revealed some new and cryptic information.

“The monarch is ready to fall”
“I have acquired things of there”
“I have acquired things of theirs”
“Flamewind’s prophecy is here”
“More dark ones have been called”
“The gilded ones are of Shattakar”
‘“I have one’s blood" – same as acquired things guy
“They cannot stop him”
“The mind healer was not killed”
“I have confirmed, they have been arrested, we will not hear from them”

In light of this, the group decided we needed to go Shattakar, the ruined area outside the city that the cardinals wanted investigated. I decided it was time to consult the ancients for some answers. I did this in the presence of the Queen. She did not seem to mind.

Is the queen a monarch that the voices in the candle were referring to?Unclear.

Is the high cardinal a monarch that the voices in the candle were referring to?Seemingly no.

Is the keeper a monarch that the voices in the candle were referring to?No.

When the voices said “I have acquired things of theirs.”, were they referring to someone in our group?Yes.

Is Thakishtai still in danger?Yes.

Will (the monarch) be safe on the airship while we investigate Shattakar?Unclear.

When the voices said “I have one’s blood”, were they referring to someone in our group?Yes.

Should we trust the captain?Yes.

Should we trust the cardinals?Some.

Does the silver flame have the ability to fix Gilroy’s connection to Valiforaesten?Unclear, maybe.

Should we be more prepared for undead over demons in Shattakar?Yes.

It seems we’ve now entrenched ourselves in this grand scheme that we are still unclear as to what it could be. It is pretty clear that the Queen needs to be vacated if we aren’t around. I suggested that she join us to Shattakar and remain on the Airship. Arius whisked us out of the the palace to the airship, and now we have three tenants. I made certain to keep her as far from our other guest as possible in case he decided to explode into blood golems again. We left the following morning to Shattakar.

We parked as high as we could above the ruined city and flew down among the ruined structures. Making our way around, I quickly picked up that we were being watched and in short order, a battle ensued. It was a mix of undead and elven warriors and some hard hitting snipers. Gilroy nearly dropped after some brushes with energy draining abilities. Once we got some control over the snipers, it became significantly easier to deal with everything. Dazen took control over one of the elves. Interrogation will follow shortly.

I thought this was going to be a friendly visit. However the keeper’s beast had other ideas in mind. It charged me before many words were said. I scanned the room quickly and my assumption was that I could not teleport out of this area. So I flew to avoid combat. Both the beast and the keeper tried to sense evil in me and then the keeper attempted to banish me. That was when I realized she believed I was Quori. This assumption means she knows much about Riadrans. I wonder how she knows.

We cleared up the confusion and she knows I am not Quori, however the beast could still smell the armor I wear. She wants to perform a ritual to cleanse the armor, which I agreed to. After a bit of clearing up conversation I was free to head out. I do not understand how a little girl became such a powerful caster.

Next up to visit the church and be interrogtated is Dazen. His seemed to go smoothly and we’ve been tasked with checking out ruins that could be a base of operations for another group plaguing this area. We agreed to help to try to gain favor with the cardinals. Hopefully this will help us in getting Gilroy clser to the flame and the cardinals to help fix him. We will leave tomorrow and it will take us about a day by airship to get there.

My next meal, was interesting to say the least. some of the bread and chicken were burnt. The burning was not an accident persay. It was three words in infernal. Secret….home….below. I told the group about it and Dazen checked out the basement. He said he didn’t find anything other than a candle that had an aura.

The next morning Dazen realized that the aura from thecandle was a spell cast on the candle. Lukar said he was very good at sneaking into places and he could go retireve the candle unnotticed. After a few minutes I lost mental communication with him so we went to go check it out. There was no signs of him below. there was an evil aura and some necromancy in the area that quickly fades. Where did he go?

After some time guards came to the inn and told us Lukar was found about to attack Thakashtai. We quickly headed up to where he was being held and determined he was possessed after entering the basement of the inn. He appeared to have come through and wasn’t under the possesion any more. We asked if we could investigate the problem first.

By scanning each of the workers in the inn for magical capabilities as well as for evil we narrowed it down to the baker and one of the cooks. Coincidentally the two that handled my food that was burnt. We alerted the gaurds to have them arrested at which point they tried to kill themselves. We saved them both and they were arrested. Dazen dominated one which we questioned about their actions.

They said they followed the flame. Similar to the assassin’s that went after the Queen. They said the flame spoke to them. They summoned a shadow demon in the basement below which was what possessed Lukar. They have a candle that they use to communicate and receive their orders. Lukar was freed from his cell.

Our plan is to investigate the demon scenario a bit more today, listen to the candle tonight and then potentially head out to the ruins tomorrow.

Silver or gold

I’ve called out to her more than once, and she continues to answer. We’ve heard of the gods from the Heroes of Magic on more than one occasion, and Arorra continues to educate me on the cousins, but my connection to the Green Mother is primal. There is no worship; it is the nature of things, just as she is, and just as I am. I called out to her in distress, and the Green Mother showered stars upon the golden flames, dousing about half the room in water that fell in a silvery-blue light.

Things escalated quickly from there, but the important pieces are thus: get the people out, extinguish the flames, and save the Queen. The doors to the cathedral hall opened into the room, so Braun and I calmed the people down well enough to get the doors open. Gilroy, sensing trouble for his faith called upon the silver flame to grant him an ally, and with his prayer came a couatl (not Valefor) bursting from golden (not silver) flame. With my enhanced eyesight, I was able to see the golden fire was illusory magic, but I was one of the only people to notice. The captain we’d met earlier in the week, via the Queen, saw the golden fire and looked at Gilroy with instant vitriol. Content with the results, Gilroy and the couatl began helping where they could. For the couatl, it meant killing those ablaze if they were intent on harming others. For Lord-Knight Gilroy it meant rushing to the Queen’s aid, even as she was protected by her dwarven bodyguard and the aforementioned Captain.

Jayden was rushing toward the church from our ship as an elemental, pushing his speed as far as it could go. On his way, he noticed fires in the town, which caused him to transform into water and drench the flames.

Water was an important resource, as our new “ally” Lukar rushed Thakashtai as she commanded water to gush from an endless decanter; I am glad his judgement was sound. His skills seem valuable, and are certainly impressive to my eyes, though I admit his presence makes me miss Vindral. It seems his spirit belongs to the dragons now… maybe it always has.

Arius and I realized the Queen was under attack about the same time, and lent our abilities to Gilroy, the Captain, and the dwarf. I melted them away with acid shortly after Arius blinded them with sensory cascade. Braun joined us, shooting a fireball of his own toward our now-blind enemies, and Gilroy offered his hand to the Queen, Captain, and dwarf, readying to teleport them away. The Queen and her bodyguard left with him, though Captain Malik warned them he was not to be trusted.

Lukar, Jayden, and Arorra continued assisting the townspeople, be it with blade or magic, as the Queen’s attackers were finally dispatched. Captain Malik lay on the ground, unconscious from his wounds, as Arius and I approached the only enemy left alive. His mind was easy for me to dominate, especially given he was passed out.

Once the Captain was healed the church somewhat under control, we teleported to the ship, where Gilroy had healed the Queen and the dwarf via his own power and the symbol of healing. We discussed, as a group, for a time what we should do next. Jayden volunteered to watch after the Queen as a cat, after I volunteered Braun. Lukar asked if he could remain with us for the time, which was smart considering what he’d just seen us do. The rest of us were to wait for the church to arrest us, interrogate us, or attack us. We didn’t know.

That night, or rather very early the next morning, a contingent of guard came to collect Gilroy for an “interview” as part of their investigation. Both (nude) Braun and (clothed) Lukar were ready for battle, but instead I sought to notify Arius, who placed a telepathic bond on Gilroy after following the guard very briefly.

It turned out Gilroy’s interview was pretty harmless, and as I write this Arius is in the middle of his own interview. I’m sure it’s going just as well…

2016-03-26

Our last piece of business to see what the result of our actions were (are?) took us to the end to speak with Lotyr’eus. We seem to have made some progress but clearly not enough. I did inquire about what the ramifications of bringing more people would be. Suffice to say, he was ambiguous but it didn’t bode well. So, with all our new information, we returned to the past where I would be able to continue to showcase my vast ignorance of what it means to be a druid.

We have to see what the Emerald Claw is up to in their keep. We have to go to Thrane. I have to train with Raven and the Gatekeepers. There is too much to do, and the amount of time I have to do it in is uncertain. Fortunately, Thalanis is another time-neutral zone and I was able to convince Raven to join me in training there. I opted to go to the Earth zone, for her comfort. I think this choice was best. It’s pretty clear my natural inclination has erred toward water and air, so ice seems like the better focus for me. It will be interesting to see if the abilities gained here gets powered by whatever I have in me that has allowed me to call upon them before.

With that task completed, we went to the Green Heart for directions to the Emerald Claw base. It would have been many days of travel if it weren’t for transportation magic. Upon arrival, I flew up and located an area that seemed devoid of animal life, which seemed odd, so that was almost certainly going to be the destination. In scouting the base from the sky, I noticed many skeletons lining the walls and was immediately fired upon by them. Great.

We resolved to have Dazen create an illusion in the back while we assaulted from the front. From there, chaos and frustration ensued. We found that aside from the skeletons, horrid and powerful aberrant/extraplanar/undead creatures dwelt within, including some that Arius was able to interact with and instruct to leave us alone.

But not promising enough...

I’ve learned much of history and my heritage these past few months. I’m strong, stronger than I ever thought possible. I may even be immortal, but I won’t let those thoughts keep me from losing my sense of mortality, of humanity, of responsibility. I am the Scion of Stars, a Lord of the Fey gifted with power by the will of nature and the Green Mother, but I am also Dazen. I’m a warlock… a singer… a friend… a brother… and a son. The boy who went into the woods looking for a tree to burn is in the past. My future is silver starlight and green with life.

I guess it was our trip back to our time that made me look inward. We hadn’t been there for some time, for personal reasons or even to check on our progress. And so, the airship’s time elemental sent us forward through time and left us floating in the sky. From there we visited several places, and spoke to many people.

Here’s what we learned:

Bright (Bahamut, Vindral, Damar, Alara, Danara)

Bahamut’s mortal form is a 6’ tall human man with whitish-blonde hair, even toned skin, wearing clothes of a gray opalescent cloth

Bahamut is still free to leave the tower

Aurora pointed out that Damar is no longer cursed

Crythis is Damar’s ancestor, and what we’ve changed made it so Damar never met Crythis or did anything nefarious with him

Our changes made it so Damar is the one who helped us find Crythis’s lab and the airship

The planes, including Thelanis (Fey realm) still crashed

Ruins (Orchid)

Some of the Fey survived the planar collapse by dwelling in the Valley

The Green Man and the Lady Eldeen want to speak with me

Alua is surrounded by a wall with watchtowers

A few hundred Fey stay at or around the Ruins, many of them in my Court

Sometimes the Fey trade with the kobolds

Dusk and Dawn court members visit, and are getting along decently well

Aldarizen’s Mountain/Volcano (Aldarizen, Ifrit)

Instead of ruined stones, there is an open air gazebo

Aldarizen is still standing guard at the top of the mountain

Ifrit still fought (and lost) to Aldarizen for years in hopes of breaking him from his trap

The salamanders greet Arius as “Lord Arius”

Ifrit was in Thelanis at the Fire Volcano when planes fractured; appeared in another volcano instantly

Ifrit was still cast out as an exile

Observatory (Damar)

Damar was looking over the notes Gilroy had just given him hours earlier

Damar believes the guardian is an Inevitable, particularly a Lhaksharut

Damar says Inevitables are usually about keeping order, but this one seems concerned with containing something

Damar is able to use the teleportation platform; “Try to feel the magic energy coming from it then tune yourself to it like you had a tuning fork.”

Ruins Again (Seesha)

Damar thinks Vindral is depressed about something, and that Bahamut seems very intent on fixing up Bright for something

Damar is able to repel some of the dangerous animals around Bright

Land of elves is now undead

Most of the cities of the past were heavily involved in strong magic

A great deal of powerful magical research was done in Undare (Arcanix, where commonfolk would study magic)

Giants ruled over the elves in the lost continent of Xendric

Shiva is high up in one of the northern mountains

Garrarehan

Murals were mostly the same

New mural with crowned man, glowing man, floating elf, man with star on head but closed eyes (like he was sleeping)

We talked to a lot of people in Alua, so I’ll location within Alua instead of writing Alua over and over again:

Annabelle’s

Asked about Vindral

Lisban (Dazen’s ex) and Than (woodcutter, friends with Vindral) are getting married

We took the road from Annabelle’s to my family’s home, and no one looked at us strangely, even with our gear glowing. I still did not show my crown, but I was floating the whole time. Progress. It was also during this walk we saw the sheriff, who said Fwarie and the Speaker want to see us, and that we should speak with the leader.

My House (Mom and Dad)

2 level home, thatched roof

Seesha helps water the farm and keep the Fey at bay

Dad says Seesha is helpful and is glad I found something I’m good at (magic)

Mom is making something out of cooked sugar; really sweet and very delicious; she gave us a bag

Terring’s (Gilroy’s mother and father)

Gilroy’s mother asked me if I thought Bomb would marry my sister; she thinks it’d be wonderful if our families were to join; I smiled convincingly

Gilroy’s father said he looked good, is glad the area is fortified with walls

Gilroy’s father said they trade with kobolds, and even Fey, though the fey often bring strange things (probably stolen)

Gilroy’s father said the elven area is not fortified by walls, but is fortified by the druidic power of the chief

Cayman’s Study (Cayman)

Study was nicely appointed with fine decorations

Spoke like a man who knew his time was drawing to a close

Said a few creepy things, but I was not able to pick up on most of it

Said the council in Sarrington is wary of us

Asked Gilroy how his magic was progressing

Speaker’s

Says he can do 5th circle magic now, including teleport

Took him to Bright to help fix things

Gave him Crythis’s spellbook to copy new magic

Pointed out how to use the teleportation platforms

Leader’s

Definitely some type of psion

Arius gave him some starting advice and helped explain some things to him

Interesting that the men who once investigated us for using magic and “causing a cometfall” are now benefiting from our “rule-breaking”.

Speaking of rule-breaking, Gilroy revealed he allowed the evil within him to assist him in our last big fight, where he almost died. Apparently it caused some type of abberant armor to grow from Gilroy’s own muscle. Like the others Vindral once wore, this one comes with a price as its teeth chew into your flesh. This one is definitely intelligent, in that Arius can communicate with telepathically with ease. I don’t trust it. It’s unnatural, and looks disgusting. Gilroy gave it to Arius to wear, as a gesture of kindness, given Arius’s vulnerability, but I worry the cost of our power is going to weigh down on us in the end.

How long til the evil inside of Gilroy takes him from us? How long before the dark void Jayden calls open consumes him? How long before the People’s Overlord earns (or re-earns) his title?

They came upon us quickly and many of our group were surrounded. Blood wights and Blood Golems arising from the ground and being controlled by a Lich. I don’t how much use I will be during this fight however I can at least help protect my comrades. There are so many questions I keep asking myself. What do we want to change here? Who is supposed to die at this time and who is supposed to live? How much of what we do here will change the future and to what means? Is Varden supposed to die at this time? Would this have all happened if we didn’t show up?

Too many questions to think about right now. I need to start by saving my comrades before they share the same fate as the dropped council members. I know it is possible to move them all at once, yes, there it is.

Time and space tear open around the comrades to engulf them and quickly they are extracted into a more advantageous position.

I will not be of much use against these minions and they are definitely formidable foes. I have faith in my allies. I must target the Lich and make sure he doesn’t go anywhere.

Gilroy calls upon his faith to transform himself into what seems like a being of pure divine energy

It appears there are some benefits to worshiping another power. I will still never be the Pawn of some greater power. I refuse to be.

Dazen moves next to Arorra and his super crown comes out then he calls on the Green Mother for aid. She represents the dangerous side of nature. Dazen glows like a star himself and in a swirl of wind Olean’s plant parts are swirled into his form and he gains leafy starlight shapes. He pulls into his chest and removes some energy and a globe of ice appears. Arctic blast swirls through the globe and blasts many of the enemies.

The amount of power being wielded reminds me of the power granted to us by Keldrith. I can feel it in the air, it’s palpable. I must hold the Lich while they take care of the rest.

A beam of green chains shoot from Arius’ hand striking the leech encircling him and chaining to the ground before dissipating away. Quickly after a streak of pure energy strikes at the Lich disintegrating away much of his body

He’s held now but there is still much happening. Olean is being struck, but he is strong and not to be worried about. We need to end this.

Dazen begins dispatching more of the blood enemies with more articic blasts and his witchfire. Jaden calls upon his nature spirts to blast the Lich with a beam of sunlight. Finally Gilroy flies toward the Lich striking it down with the power of his faith

This is not done yet, Olean is still being struck from above and below. Jaden has already gone down below with other Druids, he tells me he needs my help. I will leave the enemies on the surface to my allies.

It appears, my help is not needed down below. There were Xorn down here and they have already been taken care of. Jaden must think I have unlimited resources to psychoport as much as I want.

The crisis has been averted, or has it. Aurora knows things have changed, but what? What did we fix, or have we simply caused more problems? Still so many questions. We must go to the future and see what has become of the actions on this day.

Fighting evil by moonlight
Binding hell by daylight
Never running from a real fight!
He is the one named Valefor!

The Druid Moot is upon us. Gilroy is certain that this is the time when the deal is struck and the world is doomed. He said that the Illuminated would come to or infiltrate the meeting and trick the Gatekeepers into binding the planes. They’ll have a very strong argument with the way the Gloaming has been spilling into the realm.

Many are here in attendance:

The Ashbound, agents of chaos and enemy of civilization, are here. Storm Claw is their leader, fond of bear shapes, and flanked by his man Gorul Lupin III.

The Children of Winter, heralds of the end times, are led by Raven. She’s joined by Forlorn and Varden/Crythas. No Nightbringers are here. I should have liked to meet them.

The Greensingers…also are agents of chaos. Their affinity for the fey can cloud their judgment for what is right and good. Though often well intentioned they required a wise hand to guide them. Silvertongue is here although not with his strongest allies.

Doruun is leading the Gatekeepers today, Asala is not present. Magrim Torn is leader of Clan Torn and Speaker of the Triumverate. Dragonmarked strongly, I must be vigilant.

The Wardens of the Wood, led by Olean, Fayna speaks for them. Maelin, Habar, and Root are also in attendance.

I will watch and listen now as it begins…

The Emerald Claw. We should destroy them. They pervert the proper order of life and death. We should ride out to their fortress, smite their arcanist leader upon the mountain and cleanse the realm of their sins.

The Druids accept our proof of the Emerald Claw’s involvement. This is good. It bodes well…why are you laughing, fiend?

Now is the time. The Illuminated have come. The mortals were right. But will we fight them here and now or is there a way to undo their intrigues?

They are led by a Lyrandar but I sense no evil in him. And no strong evil in the group of note. Perhaps they are acting on the behest of some other malign power yet to reveal itself.

They’ve made their proposal, bind the portals. Combine their powers, let the Illuminated manage it. And Gilroy and his friends have decided to attempt intrigue. When will he learn that he lacks this power. I must counsel him to leave this to his betters. He is young. He will learn.

The groups are all in agreement. The plan will advance, the gates to be closed. And the resilient souls will be involved. Perhaps this is the best outcome. I will meditate on these events and…

Yes! Haaaahahahaha.

No! Crythas exploded? So it will be battle after all. The future may not survive today.

GILROY! SUMMON ME!

What’s this? There’s another spirit here! It’s at the gate! It’s…no it can’t be! I will let him through.

2016-1-10

The ominous shadow creature loomed overhead as its minions approached us from the ground. Dazen put up an energy field to block the shadows from attacking us, but it was clear the greater threat was that massive thing. I separated myself from the group and mustered up as much strength as a I could to call on the magic of the sun and in one blast, I severely wounded the creature. It retreated, and rather than follow it back into the pit, we retreated back to the children.

We spent the night in the cave and explained the situation to Raven the following morning. With Forlorn in tow, we returned to the site to find it empty aside from the portal. The bodies were also gone, presumably turned into the undead. I communed while Forlorn looked things over. It’s still unclear as to why the Gloaming has stopped its growth. We have to catch that spellcaster that escaped I believe.

With no other information to be gathered, we went back. I expressed my interest in learning of ice magic to Raven and she indicated she would teach me. After this, we returned to guard the caravan from the imminent attack from the Asheborne. As predicted, they did attack. In the form of multiple bears, they began a charge on the caravan, which we rebuked with no bloodshed. I delivered my message and we escorted them to their destination. From there, back to Greenheart we went.

Once there, the events of the last few days were related to Fayna and we proceeded to wait for the grand meeting of the druids to begin. While waiting, I began my training with Raven. She caught on pretty quickly that my understanding of how things work makes very little sense. I still kept her in the dark. As it is, I fear my involvement in this meeting might have unforeseen consequences. At this point, it’s too late to turn back.

Where does the darkness lead?

As we approached what must be considered the “center” of the Gloaming, we saw a group of guards wearing the Emerald Claw emblem. There was a brief period of combat, but they were no match for us. We would soon learn the real challenge lay below.

I dominated one of the Guards to get some quick information. While he did not possess an overwhelming amount of useful knowledge, we did learn there were others beneath our feet, underground through one of the holes, and they were doing something to/with the Gloaming. He confirmed they were spellcasters and at least one of them was talented with undeath.

Soon after, an invisible man dressed in dark armor with a greatsword wreathed in black fire flew out and stabbed Gilroy in the throat, then said “blind” in my direction, but his target was Arius. Power Word spells are very strong, and very dangerous; this man was no simple guard.

Following the dark stranger, a woman with a scythe emerged from the hole. She, too, was flying, and opened with a Silence spell on me. With the help of the grace bestowed upon me by Gilroy, I shrugged it off with ease. It was at that point Jayden and I heard something else coming from the hole in the ground; he acted quickly to create a dome-shaped wall of ice to keep whatever was coming from getting out. A second later, several bursts of red glowed from inside the dome until part of the wall exploded outward. What emerged was a rabid corpse-like creature, standing on four legs with a crook spine and large pustules across its body.

Arorra moved as she pulled her dark patterns of writing around her, giving her eyes a glow. Apparently able to see invisibility now, she focused her power out at the dark stranger, but missed him. She would have hit him, had it not been for the displacement spell I now recognized. At that moment, Jayden and I noticed skeletal hands clawing from the ground; they would emerge in a matter of seconds. Wasting no time, Gilroy flew away from the dark stranger who tried to hit Gilroy as the opportunity presented itself, but he couldn’t. Upon reaching Arius, Gilroy laid his hands upon him to cure his blindness in a beautiful spectacle of healing light.

I asked Braun if he felt he could handle the woman, and he nodded nonchalantly, so I focused my power into the strongest dispelling magic I know, greater dispel magic, and targeted the dark stranger. I ended his invisibility and two other spells that must have been strong magic, because the displacement was still active, or its source was not a spell. Arius, with his sight back, used brutalize wounds on the woman. Then, true to his word, and with help from Arius’s power, Braun moved forward very swiftly as his features became more artificial and elven simultaneously, like when I wear the Crown of Stars. He lashed out with his staff, hitting the woman while casting corrosive grasp, causing dark energy to flow out from the staff, onto the woman, then back into him; she passed out, apparently dead. Mirroring the attack on his female companion, the dark stranger charged at Arorra, hitting her with his greatsword, as Jayden cast wall of light around the hole, as an additional deterrent.

Inside the hole, Jayden and I heard someone casting dispel magic, but we didn’t notice any change to the hole or otherwise. Arorra took a quick step backward as she fired her pattern magic at the stranger, but he pushed it off with a very recognizable look of worry on his face. Then the skeletons emerged from underground, many moving toward Arorra and attacking her, but all failed to break through the pattern of magic around her. Many of us took notice the skeletons were former Emerald Claw soldiers, as their armor indicated. Now worried Arorra was in danger, Gilroy summoned Valeforastin, mounted him, flew over to Arorra, and teleported the three of them 20 feet into the air as Valefor made Arorra invisible. Arius turned his attention to the dark stranger, who resisted a mind wipe, just as I tried hitting him with witchfire that passed through his displacement. Braun moved up beside me, which I must admit, makes me feel much more comfortable than I originally anticipated. The dark stranger flew over to the woman, prayed and cast heal on her, bringing her back from the brink of death. Lesson learned: finish the job. She tried dispelling the wall of light around the hole, but failed, as Jayden attempted to contact and summon the Lady Eldeen, but couldn’t. The rabid-dog-like-creature tried attacking the soldier under my control, but missed.

Arorra blasted one of the skeletons with her magic pattern, destroying it as the patterns burst out destroying two more skeletons. The remaining skeletons attacked the soldier under my control and killed him. Gilroy dismounted and flew over to the dark stranger and woman, both of them trying to attack him but missing. With a few words, Gilroy summoned the male unicorn we met briefly, who started smiting the woman, hitting her three times. Valefor tried hitting the dark stranger, but missed as Arius tried mind wiping the stranger again. He resisted the power, clearly strong of will. Then I reached deep into the tome of stars and pulled out strands of starlight witchfire that obliterated the woman, thanks to Arius’s brutalize wounds still affecting her, and then chained it over to the dark stranger hurting him as well. Braun used the wand of fireball, killing the remaining skeletons, and injuring the rabid dog, as the dark stranger uttered a word of chaos, banishing Valefor as he screamed. The unicorn was fine, and Gilroy resisted the dangerous power. Suspecting more enemies in the hole, Jayden flew over it and cast a flame strike down into the darkness, cleansing it with holy fire.

Maybe a second later, two invisible and burned men in cloaks with crossbows on their backs emerged from the hole, holding their eyes, and started to run away. Arorra chased after them, shooting her pattern out, killing them both. Then, in a flurry of blows, Gilroy and the unicorn attacked the dark stranger dealing a massive amount of damage to him, but still, he stood. Sensing his opportunity, Arius used brutalize wounds on the dark stranger, which the man no longer had the will to resist. I shot witchfire at him, hoping to destroy him like he did the woman, but the displacement saved his life. Then Braun moved down to the dog creature, shoving his staff through its face as dark energy flowed up the staff into Braun.

The dark stranger moved past Gilroy and the unicorn, both missing attacks of opportunity because of the displacement, flew over a different hole and said “the power is mine”, and then let himself fall downward in a thump. Jayden moved but couldn’t see far enough down. Arorra asked if we were pursuing as Gilroy asked the unicorn if he was ready to continue. Arius flew over to the pit as I flew into the hole and said, “The light of my people will guide us”, summoning dancing lights from my Crown. Braun stayed at my side. Jayden changed his shape into a magma elemental and began skating through the earth.

Arorra made herself invisible as I sent the dancing lights ahead of us, asking Jayden to look around. It was a hollowed out cavern with many emerald claw corpses, and some civilian corpses, piled together. Strangely, none of the corpses were rotting. I mentioned they must be fresh, or their being kept fresh by some type of magic. Gilroy detecting evil on the corpses, but detected none, as Jayden found a dark portal set into the wall. He detected no magic on it, and Gilroy detected no evil on it. I sent my dancing lights in, but could not bring them out, so I created more. I asked Arorra if she knew anything about it, and she stated what we all expected: this was the portal to Mabar. Looking for answers, Jayden began using his divination ability as his eyes went dark like the void in front of us. He learned that the source of the problem was not here, that it could be on the other side, that there were Emerald Claw soldiers on the other side, and that the issue is definitely not fixed yet. Jayden requested we stay down near the portal, in case the mage that must have run away comes back. Arius setup mind links on everyone, and we split up to different parts of the cavern. We gathered up the different spoils of combat, but after an hour we all felt negative energy permeating our bodies.

We resigned to waiting outside the cavern where we fought the dark stranger and woman. We began to rest. I drifted to sleep very quickly, having depleted a fair amount of my power. I thought about the dark stranger’s last words: “The power is mine”, which we had heard once before when we were mugged in Sharn…

The next thing I remember is waking to Jayden’s voice saying, “Everyone needs to get up, NOW!”

Pew Pew

Gloaming
Has taken my sight
Taken my speech
Taken my hearing
Taken my arms
Taken my legs
Taken my soul
Left me with life in hell

Captain’s Log – 15th of Arvendor, 998 YK; Epoch-1

“Now we’re off to follow our desires to find the evil and save this land. Finally, something in this accursed realm I can behind and it doesn’t have hooves.”

Well, I’ve been wronger before. But not often by this much. The Gloaming, so we’ve been told, is a planar zone of Mabar, the Endless Night. The outer reaches are simply shadowy woods. The supernatural effect of the Endless Night is only a suggestion in the recesses of your perceptions. The comforting sounds of wildlife are replaced by alternating booming silence, turgid rot, and your own heart beat as you hope the creatures beyond the realm of sight are alive, not something worse.

So naturally we’ve charged headlong into this place on a noble quest. We’ve entered this realm of Night to ensure that it GROWS! What madness is this? Next thing you know we’ll be kidnapping children because there’s a shortage of mining labor and they need a strong workforce to adorn the upper crust with precious metals. Those with knowledge of such things, and Jaden trusts them, claim that the Gloaming MUST grow. Just like the seasons and the tides it is a cycle. Someone or something has interrupted the cycle. Fine. I get it. I don’t like it though. And heaven help those witches if they’ve dared to deceive us.

As we approached the inner wastes of this land we found and rescued two nymphs and the great centipede from a bunch of Bodaks. It was here that we discovered that Mabar is strong enough to dim my connection to the Divine. My powers still work and I can call on them reliably but not as much light can channel through the darkness. It’s worrisome, but thankfully this darkness does not dim Gayzen’s starlight. Nor does it seem to impede anyone else except when they try to tap the positive energy realms.

At the center of this wasteland the woods have transformed completely into a forbidding husk. The soul of the forest molted and left behind only vines, thorns, and loss. Thankfully Jaden’s powers of flight let us continue our travels without getting a closer look at these places.

At the center of the wastes is a band of the Emerald Claw led by General Puridane. He and his dark priests are here for the planar breach to Mabar. He may not have caused it, but they surely will use it to spread undead and other abominations. There is a pit, likely where the core of their expedition is waiting for us. The pit must be infused with pure darkness. I don’t know if I have the best or worst chance of surviving down there. But no normal mortals can bear it for more than a few hours. Our reprieve after taking out the guards and interrogating them will be short lived…

2015-11-21

Arius in his grand wisdom decided to see if he could call on Ifrit, which he was. Ifrit immediately turned invisible on arrival at which point I removed myself from the situation so that mess could be cleaned up. They talked a bit about their relationship and then he left.

Shortly thereafter a Nereid emerged from the waters and was promptly appointed by Dazen as the new guardian of the area. After doing this, it seemed clear we would have to do this in each of the elemental zones. Dazen also called on Seasha to help protect her since the Nereid is fairly weak right now.

We returned to the fire area and summoned Ifrit again to help ignite the volcano once more. Arius also decided to tell him the whole truth about how they meet. This was probably a good idea. Dazen gave me permission to appoint the magma elemental as the guardian of the volcano and with Ifrit’s help, they caused a grand eruption.

We returned to the earth area where Dazen thought it would be good to sing out to find something to protect this little wasteland. He found a vile little fey known as a woodwose who only came because he despised Dazen’s singing. Upon being appointed the guardianship, he remade the zone into a rather foreboding region.

The following day, we took to the sky to get into the air zone. Eventually we got onto some solid clouds and found a castle. Inside we came across Path. It would seem this region had not been corrupted, so we left.

Upon returning to the dusk court, Exphasia already knew the events that had transpired, so we went back to the Twilight Diments. Dazen immediately calls for court that evening and acquired a Pixie trumpeteer for his personal court.

While waiting for this grand party, I returned to Green Heart to consult Fayna on who could give me training more focused in the elements. She listed a few, but the one that caught my attention was Raven, the head of the Children in the gloaming. She is known specifically for ice talent. I don’t know why I am bringing this on myself. This person sounds like trouble.

That night, the party happens. It is a grand affair which I had no particular interest in. However, 1 hour into the party, a somewhat harrowing figure named Vile joined the party. At first I thought it was this Raven person since it came in as a Raven, but I was wrong, and went back to my watch. Arius spent most of the night trying to get his problem fixed and Gilroy got a great deal of attention from the Fey. Dazen spent most of the party adding to his court.

The capstone of the event was when a woman came out of Thalanis and caught everyone’s attention. We were told she is known as the Green Mother. She had a conversation with each of us. We learned that Dazen is infected with something similar to what Arius has… and so am I. She presented Gilroy with some grand armor. He’ll have some explaining to Kheller to do. Exphasia presented Dazen with a choker to increase his witchfire.

Reluctantly, I agreed with the group that we will first get the infections removed. I am keeping mine to myself for now. I can’t have them questioning my observations when I am typically the only one that can make them in the first place.

Ending the Enders

Since the moment I learned about my Fey heritage, I’ve wanted nothing more than to see the place from where I draw my power, to meet the family I never knew, and to finally learn why I look up into the stars every night and feel like… I’m home. I’ve seen the place now, and saved it, and I’ve finally met Exfozia.

She seemed much more frustrated and bored by her circumstances than she seemed excited at the prospect of meeting me. Her relationship with the Heroes of Magic has undoubtedly given her power beyond what I can understand, even with all I’ve learned thus far. But I must confess, it isn’t her power I’m drawn to, it is the hope that the Fey are a family I can finally feel myself with. I sing and they dance. I speak and they listen. I lead and they follow. I’m a Lord of the Fey, the Scion of Stars, the Starlight Warlock… but I’m also a fragile mortal…

When we reached the Water Nexus, they were daemons spread out over the area. The succubus daemon we fought at Bright (in the future) was there, and she was only the start of trouble. There were two tentacle daemons, a 3-legged insectoid daemon, some skeletal creatures, an invisible arachnid looking creature made of blood and gore, complete with dragonfly wings made of crimson blood, and their leader: the Vulture. He was huge, with the head of a vulture and weapons meant for him to wield struck through his flesh.

It was the Vulture who gave the order to “Kill the Fey Lord,” and so they tried. The Vulture cast chain lightning on us, and we were easy pickings, standing plenty close enough to get slammed with electricity. Then he moved to crush the head of the Water Guardian at the pedestal; she was already injured and looked moments from death. As a mortal, I understand death, but the Fey don’t. I found myself wondering in those moments before he crushed her skull if the Nereid understood what was happening, and how terrified she must have felt to have infinity stolen from her.

The succubus tried luring Dazen in with unnatural lust, but he resisted, just as Jaden cast faerie fire, trying to identify the Vulture. Then the insectoid summoned a swarm of spiders onto Dazen, but the power of nature in his skin kept their fangs at bay. Gilroy healed himself and the group as the arachnid stepped up, poised to attack, while the skeletal mage with the staff summoned several more skeletons, pointing them in my direction. Aurora’s tattoos flashed as healing washed over Arius, as one of the tentacle daemons sent magic missiles at me, only to fail thanks to Gilroy’s protection. Arius took his chance to keep the Vulture in range, so he wrenched it, moments before two giant elementals made from cold iron came out of the ground beside me and starting pummeling me. I was so startled, I failed to cast teleport correctly.

And then, to make my heart match my pummeled body, the Vulture killed the Nereid. The succubus tried seducing Jayden, but he shrugged it off while banishing one of the elementals. Unfortunately, he left himself open to attack, and the insectoid moved up to Jayden and clawed at him. Sensing my debilitating will and body, the spiders finally bit through my skin, but I pulled it together and fought off their poison. But then the arachnid moved up to Gilroy and hit him, making blood pour out of the wounds. Then Gilroy tried using magic, but could not concentrate well enough to make it happen. The skeletal mage flew up while his skeletons remained in place. Aurora attacked one of the tentacle creatures from her hiding place, and did an excellent job. Then Arius used time hop on the only other elemental, keeping it away for more than a minute. Feeling a slight bit of encouragement, I cast hold monster on the Vulture, and it couldn’t break through; finally, a light at the end of a bloody tunnel.

Jaden summoned Lady Eldeen to help us. She summoned a treant of her own to help us, and both absorbed some attacks while we worked vigorously to dispatch the remaining enemies. At one point, some of us were so close to death that Arius pschoported us back to Exfozia to prepare and heal. While there, Exfozia gave me a glowing green chain, saying “Break it and call my name and it will bring you here.” She made it clear later I’m only to use it in extremely dire circumstances.

Later a giant woman made of ice and water leapt out of the fountain and told the daemons to leave. They responded with their repetitive “It is the beginning of the end” nonsense. Later she introduced herself as the Lady Shivana, a spirit that looks like a myrid/human combination. She said she was the ice between worlds, at the edge, and that the ice was melting. Given her great power, she told us we could summon her as a group.

At the end of the fight, when all this conversation with Lady Shiva was going on, I went over to the now-deceased Water Guardian, picked her up and asked Lady Shiva to take her into the water so she could be at peace before being reborn. She was kind enough to do so, and left into the vast expanse of water.

I cleaned up the area by controlling the waters in the fountain, an ability of the Fey Lords apparently. Then for whatever reason Arius became increasingly more curious regarding his relationship with Ifreet, so I formed a small circle of water, lit a fire in it, and then Arius called out to him. He was always so friendly in the future, so this is gonna be good…

Fey! I just met you.
My name is Dazen.
Come, join my number.
Or bow to Xaven!

Captain’s Log – 7th of Eyre, 998 YK; Epoch-1

Fey are not my favorite creatures. That is no secret. They frustrate me beyond measure. But I cannot bring myself to wish them harm. Most of them. There are of course exceptions. And yet something awful this way comes. Had we still been in Sarington I might have entertained a thought that it was my own subconscious desire to never encounter another in the wilds again that brought to life nightmare creatures and set them to attack. No, there is something sadistic in the woods and it is out for fey blood.

Captain’s Log – 8th of Eyre, 998 YK; Epoch-1

Oh pretty prince of parties where’s the party now? – I don’t know
Oh pretty prince of parties where does water go – I let it flow.
Oh pretty prince of parties can I come to your party? – No

I don’t want to talk about it.

Captain’s Log – Thelanis; Epoch -1

Thelanis is the home of the fey. And here is where Exphasia currently holds court. She’s stepped in to hold the fey courts together because she is the only one that could. But soon we will appoint the Green Man to be the leader of the Dawn Court. And at some point Exphasia’s child will lead the Dusk. This level of meddling in the past is starting to be concerning. How many versions of us can the Green Man keep straight? I’m sure he’ll need to meet us a few more times…

Exphasia warned that some evil came out of the dark shadow realm that lies within the Eldeen Reaches. It swept through the realms and is threatening to wipe out the courts and thus all the fey. If the fey die out untold catastrophe blah blah blah I get it we’ll help. Whatever it will take to clean up this mess and let me go home back to a world that makes some sense.

Now we’re off to follow our desires to find the evil and save this land. Finally, something in this accursed realm I can behind and it doesn’t have hooves.

It’s strange knowing my future. I am in the body of the past with the mind of the future. Yet my past and future are currently being written, or rewrote. How much is changing minute by minute, hour by hour. It is however good to be with friends again and not have to hide the truth at least from a few.

We continue traveling to the Eldeen Reaches. It does not seem anyone knows where we are going and we are just wandering North until we see a sign. Will Exphasia find us, or will we have to find her. From the little we have heard about her I believe we will have to find her.

Our first stop would not be considered a success. We started in towards the woods only to get attacked and learn that we were no where close to the Reaches yet. Luckily we made it out unscathed…well most of us did. We did learn the general direction that we need to go.

Second stop was not much of a success either. Still not in the Eldeen Reaches and apparently there is no good map of the area either. I’m sure we will find where we need to go eventually. I thought that Jaden was more in tune with finding his way around nature. From the few druids I have met they usually talk with plants or animals or something to find where they are going in the woods. He does seem very different however.

Finally after days of traveling we are in the Eldeen Reaches. We met a druid animated that led the way for us once he learned Jaden was also a druid. Their town is interesting. I feel there is much Jaden can learn here. He is seeking out another gate keeper in particular that he is hoping to learn from. It has become very apparent to anyone that speaks with him that he does not know anything of being a druid here. He has the power of one of their strongest and the knowledge of a child. Hopefully this visit will fix that.

Jaden put on a show by entering the area with Olean. The usual lights flashing everywhere, lifted off the ground show. I believe this means we no longer have a desire to stay discrete at least here. It seems his business is done for now here and we will be moving on to the Twilight Demesne.

I don’t kow if we are in the Twilight Demesne or not, but wherever we are someone is definitely trying to keep others out. There are traps everywhere. Poison, anti gravity, what else will we run in to. Exphasia, please find us so that we do not have to deal with all of this.

We've only met in a dream

I guess it’s really the Captain’s Log now. The blade has awakened. Its name is Mercy’s Blessing. It radiates holy power. The blade itself is made of cold-forged iron. I’m told it’s especially harmful to certain types of creatures. But it also possesses the ability to dull its own force. I’m sure that will come in handy. I will strive to remain worthy of the blade of my ancestor.

Captain’s Log – Present Day; Bright 3.

The Goblin Temple has been taken. But Orlast is not safe yet. There is a stone plague. A poison plot that started before we even got to the city. The Rakshasa were working with an animated named Xelar and a gob named Fregrit. We’re trying to track them down. We need to figure out how to undo what they did or this city will die.

Captain’s Log – Present Day 2; Bright 3.

We gathered as many survivors of the plague as we could at one of the theaters. No power in my control could save them. At best we can save only a handful of people per day. But they could always catch that plague again. It’s not a solution. And no amount of dead Rakshasa will fix it. So I guess the first beneficiaries of holy mercy are three demons. That can’t be what the sword intends…

They did have useful information though. They confirmed Xelar and Fregrit’s roles in the plot. In addition there is no known successor in play for after Prihasta dies. Calibar, who was heavily involved with the temple below, may be a contender. The new leader would have to be of the Samrata or the Hakima castes. They are the rulers. This one that we have spared is of the Paradeshia caste. She serves. And she has served us well. For now.

Captain’s Log – Present Day 3; Bright 3.

Medusa has a way to save all the people of Orlast. But it would require sacrificing her life to unleash the full potential of her power all at once. Oddly I’m ok with this. Although I did suggest that she could sacrifice herself and I pay the price in her place. We ultimately decided not to do that.

I must not be so ready to sacrifice others in my own place. It is wrong.

Captain’s Log – Present Day 4; Bright 3.

Direct confrontation with a noble house is a bad idea. They will run, hide, or lie.

Captain’s Log – Present Day 5; Bright 3.

Offering to help one house get a leg up over another is extremely effective. The fake Khirast woman we met in the temple was Terry. She may have been fake for some time. Galhileed Selav also tips us off to a man named Daela Te’nor or something who can help with the Khirasts. While they are on guard, they ultimately come to our aid. Terria Khirast is his cousin.

Together we go to the council and make a report. Prihasta is dead. There is a plague. We are trying to help. The Selavs and the Khirasts have been very resourceful. We will report back again if we have a way to help further. Apparently this has earned us access to the more subtle services of the Khirast house. Why must they all be like this?!

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 4th Day; Bright 3.

We found Xelar. He’s dead. Great.

Captain’s Log – Bright 5.

We go all the way to the future and meet Lorderais. He is a time mage from Krynn and he lives at the end of time with his lone companion, Pathalaris. Something tells me this is a dreadfully miserable place to be. Valeforaystn still has the Daelkyr trapped. We must continue to be thankful for his constant service and for whatever quirk of magic or divine will allows him to keep this thing trapped wherever he is throughout time.

Lorderais and Pathalaris have both a lot to say about history and little, depending on the topic. Arya, Mobius, Keldrith, Inferno, and Calem are all at the time of the wars. There are at least two time points there. Before the war should be Iskar, Tamlen, and Exphasia. Another, Illsander, the Melancholy Lord, is hidden and will be difficult to find. Whatever the hell that means.

In order to fulfill our greater mission we will need great power. Keldrith’s dark god granted us power. Well, he made it available. But I refused to call on its obviously evil power. Thank the ancestors that the blade awoke when it did. It’s said that the sources of these power that are easiest to reach will be the most unpleasant. My Dark Passenger, always whispering, says that if I free him he will grant me such power. I’ll keep it in mind for the 6th of never. Lorderais can grant this power but only if his god, Solinari, were still alive. It, like all other things, is dead.

It seems that the Gatekeepers are behind the locking and crashing of the planes. They were tricked, but they were the ones that executed the plan. If we slew all the gatekeepers they couldn’t lock the planes. It would work. But just to be safe we should flay the noble houses and wear their skins. Shut up Daelkyr, no one cares what you think! Someone or something organized the Illuminated Ones who then tricked the Gatekeepers. There is a greater evil at work. We must find them and stop them. Perhaps it was the Children of Winter, servants of Apocalypse.

To properly save Orlast we need to go far into the past using my ship. To gain perspective we must travel to all 5 Bright times. To gain closure we must travel by airship to Orlast.

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 4th Day; Bright 4.

It’s 3246, 10th Month, 4th Day, Bright 4. Vindral is older now. When we travel we simply vanish from reality. Our presence in the flow of time is gone. Our return trips never impact any developments. It’s as if we are obliterated every time we use it. That’s a bit sobering.

In this future without us in it Sarington is overrun with nightmares, Orlast descended into Civil War, the Demons came out of the West, again, and Allieua was flooded but evacuated. In 5 years the world has gone to hell. And every day Vindral kept watch on the machine to see if we’d return. I pity him now.

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 4th Day; Bright 2.

The sky is a fiery mass of pincers, eyes, and tentacles. Holy fuck we’re going to die!

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 4th Day; Bright 3.

We’re alive. Most of us anyway. There was a cloaked figure that was killed by that giant Quori fiend. It wasn’t as giant as I thought I guess. Although that was the first time I can remember ever feeling fear. I don’t like it.

This is the time when Crab dies. He gives the Heart of the Living Machine to Vinder who later dies in the Valley of the Fey. Truly a fate that must be avoided. We agree to flee the city and carry on with this mission for now. Otherwise the Heart will never make it to Xerxus.

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 4th Day; Bright 2. Part 2

I killed Dazen.

After we met up with Vinder and his caravan we escorted them through the Valley on the way to Etrol. But we were attacked by something called the Oak Prince. It was a terrifying monstrous creature, afflicted with some kind of darkness. Dazen sacrificed himself by taking on the affliction himself. Why didn’t I think of that? But now Dazen was turning the same way. So I did what any good friend would do. I granted him my mercy.

The Oak Prince was grateful and apologetic. So we brought him back to the Green Man and presented our problems. Xerxus accepted the affliction from Dazen and was sealed in a mighty oak. This would give us time to solve the problem and break the spell.

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 4th Day; Bright 3. Part 2

Bright is a little better than it was before. But no animated are here. It’s just the Medusa, the Archons, the Twins, Kheller, Daymar, Vindral, Bahamut, and the “children”.

Medusa fills us in on what we missed. Vinder died fighting the Rakshasa of Orlast. Crab died of old age. The stone plague still exists. Etrol is gone but was very upset that we let his daughter die. She must be the cloaked figure slain by the Quori. We apparently already saved her. Time travel. I don’t get it.

The girl’s name is Arorra Irevaenar. She has the violet eyes, is more cute than beautiful. No malice in her heart. She has tattoos, that she made herself. They can manipulate power like the Dragonmarks can but are psionic in nature. She’s not a psion she’s something she calls a Cryptic. There are more psionics to be aware of as well. There are ones that wield primal fear, others that martial their companions, some that can enslave many. The power makes me very wary. But that is probably because most that I’ve met who wield it are affiliated with the Quori.

Captain’s Log – Bright 5.

Casen is dead. We killed him accidentally by saving Crab. I regret everything about that decision. It seems half-assed attempts to meddle in Bright will not work. We need to go to Bright 1 and stay an entire year until Bright 2 to properly save it.

Something to look into, Khrythis was trying to understand magical base word forms. This is related to the Pentax runes and the Illuminated Ones. But somehow they “sealed their fate” by weaving into their dark tapestries the Vile Speech. Someone taught them the Vile Speech. I’ve felt it myself. It is captivating. I should recover those texts and study them more closely. Perhaps the secret to unlocking the planes lies within them. No! It does not. Cease your endless nonsense!

There ARE Words of Creation. But who would even know how to learn them?

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 7th Day; Bright 3.

We sail the ocean blue, and our saucy ship’s a beauty; We’re sober men and true, and attentive to our duty.

Captain’s Log – 10th Month unsure of the date; Bright 3.

We cross paths with Illasys, the Hags, and Bom. Nothing here has changed. Bom, Illasys, and two of the hags are all evil although not particularly menacing. Illasys joined the coven and is a member of the Dusk Court. She’s a sorcerer of some kind. She claims to be concerned with solving the calamities that drive the end of things. So we share information.

Honestly, I can’t remember if Illasys bothers me because I can sense the worst of her or because of something I can tell with my own eyes. Is my judgment valid? The blade of my ancestor suggests that it is not.

Arorra knows a lot about the Daelky. She can speak to the one inside me. I should let him out so they can speak more clearly. That only seems fair.

I remember when Bom was the rising star of the Terrings back home. Oh how the mighty have fallen. He’s become bewitched and now nothing about the Terrings is impressive.

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 15th Day; Bright 3.

Allacor is big. Very big.

Thankfully he just likes to watch. But he did have things to say. The Quori invasion of Bright isn’t what is popularly believed. The Quori wanted to maintain the status quo but the research at Mt. Sarington and Bright were already under way. So they set out to stop it. Something went wrong, the Quori went wild, and everything was destroyed. Above all else, even their taste for brains, the Quori are survivors.

Captain’s Log – Fuck if I know; Epoch -1

Sharn. Wow. This city is truly incredible. There is so much life here. I can feel the divine energies magnified merely by the gathering of souls. Souls which could be torn from the flesh of fresh babes and basted in the blood of the innocent. Well, it seems that my Dark Passenger is alive and well in this time. And technically there is another one of him bound somewhere else wherever future Garrirean resides. Fantastic.

But Sharn! We docked the in a massive tower. One of hundreds, perhaps thousands. We spent hours exploring just a small section, rather aimlessly I might add. Sharn seems to be a giant representation of how mortals treat each other. The best of the best on top and literally tower over those less fortunate than them. But it’s too early to judge them for it now.

Captain’s Log – Fuck if I know, Epoch -1. Part 2

We met Palazzo. He’s the Mayor’s Aide. In this time he goes by Tamlen, one of our Krynn wizards. Thank goodness he was here and well connected. He filled in a GREATDEAL about this time and Sharn itself.

· Sharn was built over the corpse of an ancient goblin city.
· The year is 998 Year of the King but that is not the same numbering as our time’s numbering
· Iskar is out in “Drome” which is ruled by the Daughters of Sorakell, evil hags.
· Siberys was the grand heavenly dragon. I bear markings that can make me an Heir of Sibery. I confess to being pleased by this.
· The Silver Flame is a divine power that speaks to many in this time. It literally exists and has chosen a young girl as its mouth piece. This Silver Flame is affiliated with the Couatl and their sacrifices. Valeforaystn and I are both interested. I will work for him and discover the truth of this church. Hopefully I can find out more about Valefor as well and what part the two of us play in the grand scheme of things. And why doesn’t the Silver Flame exist in our time?
· The Couatl were wiped out in the demon wars.
· We must get involved with the Council of 12
· We must go to the Eldeen Reaches to see the druids
· The animated are actually called Warforged and were created by House Canith. Their major factories were in a land called Cyre
· There are people called Riedrans. They can be dual minded with Quori spirits
· There are many creatures around not from our time including changelings and shifters. The Silver Flame is none too fond of them.
· Houses Orien and Lyrandar control trade on land and in the air. They eventually merged to become Selavs.
· Mixing the Dragonmarks can create the Aberrant Marks. They are considered a plague and to be avoided or destroyed.
· There is a prophecy in the dragons about the Progenitor Dragons. No one knows their true meaning. Bahamut is teaching it to Vindral.

In addition to giving us the most detailed history lesson I’ve ever received Tamlen gave us identities and fake histories. I am to be Gilroy D’Orien, an adventurer from Xendrik. I met my companions in Stormreach and legally procured the ship (which is a Lyrandar ship). Dazen is Gavin Ir’Ric, last royal of a dead house destroyed in the war. Arorra is a historian. And Jaden is a bird.

Captain’s Log – Fuck if I know, Epoch -1. Part 3

I like present day Seesha a lot better than past Seesha.

Captain’s Log – 998 YK, day unknown, Epoch -1

We explored the city. This time with purpose.

I settled business with the ship and made contacts with Solia D’Lyrandar. Dragonmarks denote some level of rank within the house. I’m apparently a high ranking noble here.

Gavin gained membership into the Guild of Starlight and Shadow. Tamlazzo apparently thought it would be amusing to send us here. The obsidian tower lit up like a fey picnic when Gavin got near. So much for traveling incognito.

We visited the Orien station at Terminus and made contact with Rickard D’Orien. Arorra helps out a bit getting involved. Rickard seems interested in impressing her. It’s times like these that I’m thankful to not be so easily exploited by the opposite sex.

Rickard is a nice fellow. I’ve decided I’ll pay him back in kind for being so helpful with us. Sharn is a really nice city. So far no demons. The laws are reasonable. And people are pretty welcoming.

Captain’s Log – 998 YK, day unknown, Epoch -1. Part 2

I made it two days before I had to kill someone. So much for our welcome.

And this place has a slaver problem. I hope my ancestor won’t disagree that these traffickers deserve none of my mercy. Gavin used his magic to dominate the mind of the survivor. That’s a troubling power. But very useful it seems. Now we can check on him and get info about the slavers.

Time to blow off steam. I think I’ll go find Rickard and make sure my housemates have a good time.

Captain’s Log – 998 YK, day unknown, Epoch-1. Part 3

Exphasia responds to our Sending.

“Come to the Twilight Demesne and the Gloaming. Need to go there anyway. Palazzo should stop wasting your time”

She seems nice.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 20th, 998 YK, Epoch-1

Time for more exploration. We’re going to make Gavin Ir’Ric a star so we can use his fame to get in with the Council of 12. V and I need see the Silver Flame church as well. I miss Arius.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 20th, 998 YK, Epoch-1. Part 2

We met a giant man riding an owl, Gavin got a concert booking, and V and I are joined the Silver Flame church. All part of a day’s work, right?

At the church I met a young boy called Pilgrim Kohn. I think we blew his mind. He means well but he’s just a low level servant. The Silver Flame dates many hundreds of years ago. There was a woman named Tiramorin who fought the demons in a hell rift. She fought side by side with the Couatl. As she sacrificed her life he soul bonded to the flames and purified them. The result was the Silver Flame. It speaks to people in a whisper. The seat of its power is Thrane where the chief…listener… resides. She’s the small girl Tamlazzo told us about. Only those in the inner sanctum see the Flame now. And no Couatl has been seen for millennia (ha). The tenants of their faith are noble, or seem so on their face.

Trust in the Silver Flame
Heed the words of the Keeper
Not so sure about those two. Why are they the first of the oath?
Fight evil in all its forms
Lead a noble life and encourage others to do so
Share the faith. The Silver Flame can purify the darkest souls

We joined anyway. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything.

The Silver Flame made an appearance in person to anoint me. Many saw it. So much for being incognito. I’m a religious icon here now. And that means I’m a threat. To whom? To Lady Ethanamor, hierophant of the Sharn Church of the Silver Flame. And boy is she black of heart. I suspect she might be a demon, most this strong are. But I won’t know for sure without Jaden.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 21st, 998 YK, Epoch-1

I loathe mingling. Chiefly because for me it entails either being vague and looking a fool or speaking the truth and looking crazy.

Socialite – “So Gilroy, tell me about your home”

Gilroy – “Well you see I’m from a small farming village 4000 years from now when you’re all dead. I spent my childhood as the family outcast and did manual labor. Until one day when a tidal wave destroyed my village, a grand spirit unraveled time, and I was anointed with Divine power because I’m part Angel"

Socialite – “And what goods do you traffic in the jungles of Xendrik?”

Gilroy – “The corpses of the demons that fell in my wake”

Socialite – “Oh that’s always a popular item. The supply is high though, not sure how you can make a profit off it.”

Gilroy – “I have a flesh warped hell beast from beyond the stars in my face and I worry one day it will take control of me and use me to kill everyone I hold dear. Please pass the butter”

It’s a good thing Gavin is here. He can rescue me from these situations with ease.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 22nd, 998 YK, Epoch-1

Glass brast sin HIDDENBEFORETHRONESANDTABLES The dust settles on all things. Threatening fair wind white wings. Shadow and emeralds burden ships. Invades families and seeks to stop turning. Not alone the darkness dreaming. Alone with moon’s curse. Study the signs written now. The child of prophecy beyond. In the distance where dragons dwelt. Purify all voices all kindling. Must be burned by ones own flame. Key to beyond and also before. The soul contested. Salvation’s soul in redemption of light and dark. First had, twice born, not to die. A rare dream amidst nightmares. Forest and fort grave waiting. The touch of life unyielding. Burdened promises under many stars. The crimson night has cried. Bind the powers willing. The foul flights beyond. Below the dragon coils foul claws. Before the gate he stands. Poison spirits for curse contempt. Stir the stasis kept. Born in storn rest in bark. Idol of the watch towers. These pieces puzzles in chaotic disarray. Only forward back can you play.

Finally, a diviner that can speak with clarity.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 22nd, 998 YK, Epoch-1. Part 2

Arius is back! Is this a blessing, or a curse? I pray for his sake that the him we met now will be my brother from the future. I need him to help temper my wrath and keep things in perspective. He has no recollection of us though. This is before he launched his grand plan with Allacor. We’re not quite sure how to proceed. But I suspect we will tell him everything.

It looks like we’re on our way to making Gavin a star. But Arorra is right. If we spent as much time on dealing with slavers we could be saving lives. I respect Gavin for trying to see the forest through the trees. And I respect Jaden’s view of trying to see the planets with the damn forests on them. But someone has to understand that right here, right now, that tree is rotted standing timber and it needs to get cut down. I can cut down that tree.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 23rd, 998 YK, Epoch-1.

We’re becoming famous. And not necessarily for the best reasons. News travels fast here in these daily updates. Word of mouth is not fast enough for this city apparently. But it doesn’t hold back Gavin. Social progress is progress. The song must go on.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 24th, 998 YK, Epoch-1.

It’s time to prove to Arius that all we’ve said is true. We must go back, to the future!

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 15th Day; Bright 3

I told the ship’s elementals to return. It brought us home. Nothing yet has been catastrophically thrown off course. We successfully didn’t fuck up time. But that is a bit troubling since technically past Arius now never launched himself into space. Which means Bright 3 Arius never landed in Allieua. He never freed Seesha in the process and she stopped the tidal wave that would have killed me. So how did I not die? The time travel in the Epoch must work differently than the machine in Bright! Either that or our existence is now stripped from time entirely. Time travel. I don’t get it.

Captain’s Log – 10th Month 15th Day; Bright 3. Part 2

We took Arius to the Ruins. They crowned him the People’s Overlord. I can’t say I’m particularly thrilled that his title persists. But in doing so the Crown, or the Ruins, restored his memory. He remembers everything up to the Sarington expedition. By then Allacor’s mind seed had taken over. Good news though. I have a bounty of his seed in my brain. So there are now three entities trapped or growing in there.

The Ruins did have more for us though. My shield is stronger, more powerful against the Rakshasa, can safely store and protect creatures somehow, and can modify the energies of my faith into a searing flame. It’s perfect that it can do this as Jaden has agreed to help enhance my powers. I’ll now have more ways to combat evil fiends than just relying on my divine wrath. That I can only do twice before I’ve exhausted the power. But the pure radiance I can channel many times.

Captain’s Log – Therendor the 24th, 998 YK, Epoch-1

We’ve returned to the past and set off into the skies in search of the Eldeen Reaches. I’m not thrilled to be leaving Sharn. But Exphasia instructed us to head this way. Hopefully she has a better idea of what needs to be done in this time than Tamlazzo does.

And a vision to guide us

We slept at Pallazzo’s house and woke to a beautiful morning on Therandoor the 21st, in the year 998 YK (year of the king). It’s a strange thing, being in a place of kings and royalty. The closest thing we have to royalty back home is Gilroy’s family, and most of them are evil pains in the ass.

Once everyone was awake with spells prepared, we discussed our plans for the day. Aurora wanted to go potion shopping, while Gilroy wished to visit the Church of the Silver Flame. I wished to visit the concert hall, in hopes of performing for an audience that could appreciate my voice. I asked Jaden if he could work on changing some of the magic in my headband, which he said would take him less than a day, so he stayed at Pallazzo’s and worked.

The three of us (Gilroy, Aurora, and myself) called for a skycoach and went to the concert hall, in the University district. A few words with some porters pointed me in the direction of an older elven man named Mister Cavera. He had a receding hair line of gray, dressed well but not overly so, and made a point of mentioning that he knew my family name, just not me specifically.

I’m not going by my real name in this time; it’s too risky and a piece of advice I’ve chosen to heed from our Gatekeeper. In this time, my name is Gavin Ir’Ric, a man of royal blood from the country that’s now little more than a wasteland. There are likely others from the Ric bloodline alive today, but Pallazzo assured me the family is so divided it would be difficult for anyone to find out the truth, so long as I put my silver tongue to good use.

Mister Cavera seemed generally unimpressed with me until I auditioned, singing a song about Gavin’s (made up) history. I suspected he enjoyed the performance, given that he mentioned he may be able to fit me in the following evening and/or the evening following that, but his face was relatively difficult for me to read. Upon leaving the concert hall, Aurora confirmed my suspicion, saying “he was fighting back tears.”

From there we headed to the Dura district by skycoach, exploring a large bazaar of shops, salespeople, and vendors of all kinds. From the looks of it, a person could find anything here, assuming it’s not insanely expensive. While exploring the shops in the vast sea of people, the three of us noticed a young boy with a look on his face that screamed “pickpocket”, so I called him over to us. I asked him about his family, age, interests, and his favorite inn, which turned out to be the Silver Moon. I told him to go there, and to tell any passersby about my upcoming performance(s). I gave him 5 gold pieces with the promise of 5 more should he follow my directions and agree to enter the university (through the lightening of my gold purse).

The next highlight was a giant man flying on a giant owl through the district. I flew up to get a better look and meet him. He was about 9 feet tall, with thick fur, and looks part animal. He was a shifter – part human and part bear. Counselor Ha’Root, as he introduced himself, said he was the elected counselor for this district, and that he had an office in the sky off a tower (that ending up looking more like a nest). He agreed to meet with me in the coming days at his office, so I could ask more about his visit to the Eldeen Reaches.

Our next stop was the Cathedral of the Silver Flame. The cathedral’s main chamber was huge; it could probably fit at least a hundred people in it. It didn’t take long for a young man in white robes to approach us, introducing himself as Pilgrim K’Ohn. Gilroy mentioned his interest in the Church, and asked about its history. The pilgrim regaled us with the story of Tyra Morin fighting back demons and falling into the demon pit of fire, turning it silver and weakening the demons. Pilgrim K’Ohn says the flame whispers to people, but is always loudest to one: the Keeper of the Silver Flame. At that moment I knew we’d be heading to Thrane to see the flame at some point, especially after what happened next.

Gilroy took the pledge of the Silver Flame, affixing a brooch to his armor. At that moment, silver fire erupted around him, causing everyone in the room to go quiet. You would not have needed to be Jaden to hear a pin drop; it was silent. Pilgrim K’Ohn immediately prostrated himself before Gilroy, asking if he’d like to meet the Arch Hierophant of the church, which Gilroy agreed to do.

While the pilgrim fetched the Arch Hierophant, people in the church introduced themselves to Gilroy, asking him for words of prayer, for loved ones and good health. It was during this 15 minutes that I lost track of Aurora, who snuck back outside without a word.

The Arch Hierophant entered with the chamber with two guards wearing full plate, like her own, except she was also adorned with the garb of the church. Though she appeared to be about 60 years old, she looked fully dressed and prepared for battle. We stayed for the service after a brief conversation about the end of the war and me performing at one of the services in the future.

Then we returned to Pallazzo’s home, where Gilroy revealed the Arch Hierophant showed as a strong evil in his eyes. It’s unfortunate, but not surprising, we all agreed. Gilroy wishes to help the church (and likely attempt to purge it of evil), and mentioned the slave trade we stumbled upon. Dazen gave a brief overview of their activities that day, to which Jaden gave us another warning regarding changing the future. He insists we should not be people of great import; I disagree, and not just for selfish reasons. Do I want to perform for a city that really appreciates it? Yes. Do I want more power? Absolutely. To what end? I want to save us, to save our families and friends, to save the planes of existence, and to save the gods of magic.

That evening we ventured to Skyway, the wealthiest part of Sharn that literally floats in and on clouds. Some of the houses there were bigger than towers in the lower parts of the city, with hippogriffs and even fancier sky coaches flying about. The restaurant where we dined was called the Azure Gateway, named for the azure stone used in its construction, which was made even more exclusive-looking by the gate out front made of spun clouds and sapphires. Outside I saw a member of the Corinberg family, writing furiously on something as each of us strode into the restaurant.

Dinner was enjoyable. We had the pleasure of dining with Lady Salya, Ricard D’Orian, Dantien, and Jazelle Toraz. Dantien was the trade minister serving below his “auntie”, Lady Salya. All of us were in attendance; Gilroy, Aurora, myself, and even Jaden, though Jaden chosen to remain “unknown” in the form of a mouse hiding in Gilroy’s collar.

The conversation during dinner was mostly boring, and a true demonstration to Gilroy’s inability to carry on conversation. When asked about Zendrick, and goods, and trade, and so on, I distracted the group by insisting Gilroy was always fonder of other things, not business. Lady Jazelle, partly because I think it’s whom she is, but also because I believe she picked up on the awkwardness, chose this time to announce she hates talking business. She was certainly a free spirit, and Lady Salya said as much several times during dinner.

During dinner, we noticed a group at another table and someone (I can’t remember whom) pointed out the gentleman at the table was Ambassador Jorshesh, a Riadrin lord. With him were two women, one looking more like a guard than a servant. Lady Jazelle went over to introduce herself to them and offer them seats at our table, and returned when our dinner arrived; Jorshesh and his company would join us for dessert.

Dessert was interesting. The two women were Lady Helkashtay and Lady Melishara (the guard), who frowned at the mentioning of Ambassador Aurora. The conversation was pretty uneventful, but Jaden was able to use his spirit sense under the table to learn that Lady Helkashtay, Ambassador Jorshesh, and Lady Jazelle all showed as spirits of some kind.

The 22nd of Therandoor turned out to be even more eventful. There was a message for me (Gavin), inviting her to perform at the concert hall that evening and the following evening. I left Pallazzo’s with Jaden (as a raven “familiar”) on my shoulder, picked up the pickpocket (Wicks) from the Silver Moon and took him to the University to begin his studies.

That afternoon, we were called to the University by President Laryin Ir’Morgrave (of the university itself) at once. It was at this time I pointed out my raven “Jaden” was my familiar. Jaden was not too pleased at the idea of his known being somehow known, but I think he came around to the cover identity.

The president of Morgrave University was in the man in the eve of his prime, with heavy shadows under his hazel eyes and gray hair, but he moved with excitement. He brought us to the museum in the university, so that we could have some privacy, even though Dala Rond and Ambassador Jorshesh were in the library. The president revealed a creature known as Flamewind had called for us by name. Turns out Flamewind is a gyrosphinx from Xendric that lives in the university and sometimes calls for people. The Ambassador and Dala Rond were immediately impressed by the news, and hoped to join us for our conversation, but the president was first in denying them their request.

When we entered the chamber we saw the body of a giant lion, with deep black fur that rippled like flame, falcon wings of the purest black, and the face of a beautiful elven woman with feline features. On her brow was a beautiful silver diadem, with jeweled chains of platinum around her neck and forearms. She seemed to scan us over for a few moments, assuring we were all present, and alone. Then her eyes became cloudy and misty, as did the room. Then it was darker, with fog appearing in the corners of the room. She said:

“Glass brassed sin hidden before thrones and tables
The dust settles on all things
Threatening fair wind white wings
Shadow and emeralds burden ships
Invades families and seeks to stop turning
Not alone the darkness dreaming
Alone with moon’s curse
Study the signs written now
The child of prophecy beyond
In the distance where dragons dwelt
Purify all voices all kindling
Must be burned by one’s own flame
Key to beyond and also before
The soul contested
Salvation soul in redemption
Of light and dark
First had twice born not to die
A rare dream amidst nightmares
Forest and fort grave weighting
The touch of life unyielding
Burdened promises under many stars
The crimson night has cried
Bind the powers willing
The foul flights beyond
Below the dragon coils foul claws
Before the gate he stands
Poison spirits for curse contempt
Stir the stasis kept
Born in stone rest in bark
Idle of the watchtowers
These pieces puzzled in chaotic disarray
Only forward back can you play”

After her vision, we have a brief conversation where we learned her last visitor was King Ir’Winarn of Breeland (King of Breeland), and Aurora pointed out that more time has passed than we realize. My first real concert and I was running late.

At the bottom of the stairs, Ambassador Jorshesh and several others were waiting for us in hopes of hearing news. There was one individual that stood out more than the others, a man with long violet hair and glowing eyes, with similar facial features (but no crystals) as Arius. He was first to mention he’d be interested in speaking with us, and Dazen agreed, saying we could do so after the concert.

As we left the university we were attacked by several spellcasters and many humans with rapiers. We noticed them and had the opportunity to attack them before they could truly surprise us. I won’t give you the play-by-play, but most of us used our powers to slay the creatures, including Arius and Jaden, who looked like the strongest familiar in spellcasting history (aside from maybe one belonging to one of the mages from Krynn). Lady Selya almost died, but was brought back in time. And though I did reveal some of my strongest magic, dominate person, I never used any healing magic or my witchfire. I need them to keep thinking I’m a wizard.

Selya called for guards as I began questioning Furst, the man I dominated, but he didn’t know anything useful. I gave him over to the guards as Selya said, “By the law of the threat of Sharn, we claim their possessions.” And we did; quite a few scrolls, wands, and other things. This was a well-funded group.
Ricard said he had his skycoach ready to take us to the concert hall, so we went, and though Mister Carver was annoyed by my lateness (and not at all sympathetic), my performance was so magnificent he forgot about it.

My performance was a song I’d been working on for a while, about the stars and the ocean falling in love, seeing each other from a distance but never being able to be as one, with the light of the stars reaching the water every night, with old words. Mister Carver cried he was so moved, as did many people in the crowd. Women swooned, men were overwhelmed by my talent, and many members of nobility introduced themselves to me. The one that stood out most was an older woman who handed me a card with a Skyway address on it, and “The Tains”.

Outside we met with Arius, starting conversation briefly, but then deciding to go to a tavern and discuss things with him. We revealed bit by bit to him, until finally we broke our silence. “We are from the future, and we know you from that future, and the planes will break into nothing if we don’t succeed in fixing what was broken.”

Jayden remained wild-shaped for the extent of the conversation. That’s so raven.

Keldrith proceeded to lead us out of this Orlast as quickly as possible. It was apparent that we were not ready for the denizens of this era. We were in the middle of a warzone. Nations warring against each other because of a war that elves… my people started with dragons. What a ridiculous world this was.

His power being superior to ours, Keldrith scouted ahead several times and drew fire to himself so that we could try to proceed unnoticed across the ground. Unfortunately, we were still drawn into conflicts with creatures – Owlbears, Ogres, and also a Vrokk at the end of our trip.

Fortunately though, we ran into a future friend. The Medusa we met in the caves in the future attempted to apprehend us for her nation. Her actions seemed very hesitant. It was clear she didn’t really want to be part of this. We Xerxus removed a charm that had been placed on her by three sisters. Apparently the hags are at least this old as well. That is disturbing to consider. When we parted ways with her, we left some information about the future, in hopes it would have a positive effect like with what we did with Casen.

Keldrith led us to some Druidic standing stones and channelled power into them to send us back to the present. Our arrival landed us in the chamber we left from, with only moments past as before. It’s starting to make sense. We resolved that we needed to get more information and decided to finish our mission here. Palazzo informed us that we could call for his aid whenever we wanted, but at the effort of all of us, draining some of our power. That’s ominous and almost certainly will never happen. He did attempt to leave the room with us. Only to find that he was trapped there. Hopefully every being bound to an area when we fix everything will be able to go where they need to be.

Our efforts to save the medusa were not in vain. Apparently in this time period, she guided us here and was waiting outside the temple with all of her “children”. She indicated to us that 4127 years had passed since we met for the second-first time. We (I) did some divining with the spirits and determined she may know the passphrase to get us here via the teleporters. So, with everyone in tow, we decided to make a return to Bright and figure our move to get the animated here as quickly as possible.

Past or Present

The farther we ventured into the depths of the city, the more it seemed we were traveling to another city entirely. The air was thin here, so thin it suffocated us while we slept. Only it was not suffocating “us”; I do not need to breathe anymore. Whether it is a part of my fey heritage or something else, I only need to inhale before I speak. The others became protected by various magics, and fortunately no one was hurt long term.

The thin air was only a slight distraction from the towers and buildings we saw as we rounded each corner of the cave. Eventually, we grew close enough to the pull of power that we entered the old goblin temple.

I am not certain what the creatures were, other than vial, but there were two of them in robes, each with six snakes for each arm. What made it interesting was the ability each snake head possessed – shooting some type of strange energy ray that seemed to have a secondary effect.

I made one of them howl with a spell, but the other resisted my magic. During the course of the fight, Gilroy took a beating, including from himself, as some of the snake rays caused him to become confused. Xerxes was knocked down some time in the beginning of the fight, but that did not stop him from participating, spellcasting from the ground even as he burned from a snake ray. The Animated did their best, but unfortunately the creatures possessed the thick, scaly hide of snakes, making it all but impossible for arrows and bolts to pierce their skin. Even Torby found difficulty injuring one of the creatures, even when he caught unawares. The first died by our hands, but the second made the room explode by casting scorching ray on whatever chemicals laid in the tubs of the room. He killed himself, and though the rest of us were injured by it, his plan worked, as we could no longer study what it was in those tubs.

In the next room Jayden found a faint aura of magic in the corner. As I came around the corner and peered into the room, I saw a Rakshasa, invisible, who smiled at me as I called him out. He tried using enchantment magic on me, suggestion, but I resisted. He said his name was Kalabar, and claimed he was the scribe for the city. We briefly questioned him about the remainder of the temple, and he gave some answers, noting we could not trust him before he dimension doored away. As Jayden continued searching the room, he found a trap on the desk drawer, which Torby was quick to disable. The notes on the scribe’s desk were plentiful, and some of them talked about the different noble houses. Those we took with us.

Down the next hallway there were two statues. I cannot remember their appearances exactly, but it is because I blocked them out of my mind. At least one was built to look dark-skinned, and I remember a jackal’s head and a very large lizard’s head. While Jayden found a locked door at the next juncture, Xerxes noticed one of the statues was built to be looking at a wall. Upon investigation with some detect magic, we found it was a wall with a power teleportation spell built into it: teleportation circle.

Torby opened the lock door and we found a half-elven woman hanging from the ceiling in the next room, bound in manacles. She had light brown hair, was maybe five and a half feet tall, and was wearing a bloody gown. She was alive, but seemed very weak. Gilroy rushed in immediately to use his healing magic on her, as Torby unlocked her manacles. Upon waking she said her name was Taraya Kirist, and that all she remembers was being at a formal event and then waking up in this room. She believes she was kidnapped, and used as a play thing, because she was assigned to spy on the rakshasa. I guess they figured her out.

After an exhausting discussion regarding a magic cloak and facing death, we headed into the final room to find a two-headed rakshasa, a panther-headed rakshasa, and a tiger-headed rakshasa. The two-headed one said, “Jayden make sure you lead them downstairs. Til then,” and then dimension doored away. I feebleminded the tiger, and we made decently quick work of him and the panther. They possessed magic, but wielded blades efficiently as well.

Downstairs, Jayden felt a pull ahead of him, almost directly in front of our group. I did not notice it immediately, but the group pointed out a mist or fog coming from the next room. On the wall, there was an image of a long-eared creature with a maw of sharp teeth, like an advanced form of goblin, or just a really angry one.

When we finally entered the room ahead, after preparing ourselves, we found a massive nightshard 10 feet wide, huge, and we could see some type of winged creature inside the nightshard. The strange fog, violet in color, was emanating from the nightshard, and the circle of stone surrounding the shard was accented with blood stone and dark stone. When Gilroy tried looking for evil in the area, it was so overwhelming it stunned his senses and his mind. Then the creature, the two-headed Rakshasa, Lord Prehasta, began taunting us. Jayden exchanged words with it as it continually tried to get him to betray us and use the nightshard’s power for himself. I do not know if Jayden was tempted, but I never detected any hesitation, although I would probably be the last person to notice.

My impatience with the creature grew, as it taunted us over and over again. Only after we had used several spells at the place we thought the creature was located did Jayden point out where it was hiding, but by the point the battle was about to begin. I had already summoned an azata from the heavens, an impressive creature, who wished to slay the evil, but even her blade had difficulty harming Lord Prehasta.

From the get-go, I wanted to destroy the nightshard. I have a tendency to break spirits and creatures out of things I guess, and maybe I was hoping for another wish. It may have proved difficult with Lord Prehasta in the room, but Xerxes polymorphed him into a cat. Unfortunately, the magic does not strip the creature of its memories, or all of its power, so I pointed out the creature, the cat, must be slain, and that we needed to take the body with us to make sure its evil would not return. Gilroy killed it; I do not envy him for that.

Breaking the creature out of the gem was interesting to say the least, as it revealed this insane-looking, and acting creature named Palazzo. A friend, of some kind, to the mages, he insisted that he could take us forward or backward in time using the magic of the room, so after a brief discussion, we went into the past.

We appeared in what should have been that same room, I think, but instead found ourselves in a blown apart building under an early night sky, with colors cascading across it and smoke filling the air. Not long after appearing we were “greeted” by the most terrifying elf I have ever seen: Keldrith.

I do not think elf is the first word I would use to describe him. He had alabaster skin, which I would later learn was the skin of a devil his friend Iskar grafted onto his body (after flensing it first), and that white skin was a direct contrast to the black veins of blood (I think) coursing through his surprisingly powerful-looking frame. On his back was a cloak or shroud of some kind that moved of its own accord, dancing its own dance. His obsidian black teeth and paled black tongue were not the result of a lack of cleanliness, but a reflection of the darkness within him. Perfectly polished, his teeth were that of a predator, even more so than the two-headed rakshasa we had faced only a moment beforehand. His hair was a dark black, not particularly long, but below his elven ears. His eyes will haunt me forever, so dark, so black, so empty, they drank the light. He had no distinguishable pupil, or white of his eye – just darkness. On his head was a beautiful looking crown, and behind him – bat wings. Keldrith’s black, leathery bat wings stretched out behind him like they were always meant to be there, but I do not think elves are supposed to possess any type of wings, unless it was magically. His? Not magic.

After briefly greeting us he analyzed our power through some spell and told us we were weak still, but answered his own assessment by casting some powerful magic, calling to his god Nuitari for power, making the stars themselves part in the sky so he could imbue us with magic beyond reason.

Having Casen alive has proven to be quite useful. I do not particularly like being so reliant on someone’s greater talents than our own, but in this case, I can make an exception. It would be good for us to think forward a little more so we don’t waste time and energy of others. At any rate, he got us to Orlast. He left us in what appeared to be a pretty well-off area of the city. I immediate went into the form of a bird so that I would not be identified easily. That decision proved to be a good one.

Our group was surrounded by some guards who seemed particularly put off by Xerxus. Our group had to claim him as property. Apparently animated are required to be owned by people here. Slavery is wretched. They directed us to where we could find some inns. We elected to stay at the Sleeping Dragon. The next step would be to get the layout of the city. The group went to the entry area by the docks and registered Xerxus with the city. I took flight to get a bird’s eye view of the city. It appear to be built among ruins. I tried to get under the ground as an earth elemental and was quickly stopped by some hard cut ruins underground.

While I was on my own, the group ran into a woman that desired to own Xerxus. She had her animated with her, which slipped a note to him asking him to meet at the golden gates. After some inquiry, it was discovered we would find such a place in the broken down district that I had flown over. It was close to the part goblin population. Xerxus wanted to go, so we supported his choice.

Eventually we came upon the gate we sought after and Xerxus proceeded down a tunnel. I followed as a mouse in order to keep an eye on things. What he was faced with was a substantial number of animated and other sympathizers that wanted to get out from their slavery. Their leader, Illen, had devised a plan to poison the population’s water which shouldn’t kill anyone except very weak people. That seemed a bit excessive. The rest of the group eventually got introduced and we presented a plan to bring them to bright. It would require us to find the teleportation circle, which we believe to be underground. They seemed to be agreeable to that as long as we could get everyone within a few minutes. That seems reasonable.

My only concern is that we haven’t really found anything yet that involves our true mission.

This marks the second occasion I influenced the stream of time. The first time I wished things to be different, to save my home and the people in it. It worked, and even gave the added benefit of adding a companion and friend to our group: Gilroy. But what we just did is far more dangerous than a simple wish. It’s funny, calling some of the most powerful magic “simple”, but it’s true.

With the furnace finally fixed, the armband procured (and a new friend made), and the tower safe enough to leave in the hands of the other for a while, we ventured into the past using the machine powered by what we now know as a time elemental. Deep in the basement of the tower, Xerxes, Gilroy, Jayden, and I stepped onto the platform seeking the past. Vindrel stayed behind, wearing the armband and controlling the machine so that we may learn what happened in the past.

We appeared in the courtyard area on the teleportation platform, only things were different. Things were not in ruin. The city was patrolled by guards, filled with people of all walks of life, but most of the time keenly aware of magic and not scared by it. Being in this place, the past, was the most comfortable I have felt in my own skin in a very long time.

Watching over the platform were a contingent of guards, and after some attempts at requesting to speak with Crab, my impatience got the better of me again. I told the head guard to send a message to Crab, detailing our trip from the future utilizing the device under the tower. I did not see any specific leave to deliver the message, but Jayden did not point out any lies.

The others went into town to explore and apparently made an appointment at the town hall to speak with Crab in several weeks. Perhaps falling victim to his own impatience, or tactlessness, Jayden told the poor woman the topic of conversation would be the end of the world. While I am sure it did give us a great deal of attention, I doubt it was the type of attention we wanted.

They returned some time later after I had already followed up with the guard, to no avail. The others told me their own antics, as some of them began noticing we were being watched, surrounded, and even gestured at in a accusatory ways. Then, before I knew what I could do, darkness surrounded me that my eyes could not pierce, and I had to decide whether or not to resist something pulling at my will.

I let it work, and fortunately it was Crab coming to get us under cloak of darkness. While he was displeased, and had some trouble relaying his displeasure verbally, I think he understood our impatience.

The next hour or so we assaulted Crab with questions of all kinds, trying to learn why we were there and what we were supposed to do. “What is the master plan!?” It did not appear even this powerful mage knew the answer. He explained the time machine to us, called us “tenacious souls”, and relayed that we are meant to fix things by going into the past and the future to gain access to all points desired. Confusing, but alright.

We ended up discussing our affairs with Etrol, a man seemingly comfortable in the darkest parts of the multiverse. He was not the first to tell us that his God was dead, but that he hoped a restoration would come as a result of our joint actions. We talked at length about the quory, but were scolded several times by Etrol, remarking that our goal is not to wipe out the quory, but to save all things from their end. As evil and malicious as the quory are, they are part of the “natural” order. I am glad I am not a druid, because the natural order pisses me off. And I say that as a newly crowned lord of the Fey.

We talked to Casen as well, and that conversation yielded some fruit, as we learned upon our return to the present that Casen was alive. Even if nothing else had changed, that made it worth the trip. Casen is another powerful mage, apparently with the ability to rob magic users of their power for a short time. He also seems to possess a keen intelliect and a genuine interest in doing the right thing.

We are shipping off to Orlast soon. We will probably get some answers, and we will definitely have more questions. I am going to spend as much time as possible familiarizing myself with our flying ship as I can, because to date, it is the most useful possession we have in longevity.

…plus it is the most incredible representation of magic I have ever seen.

So much. So much has changed. So much has been learned. I don’t even know where to start. It boggles my mind. Makes me lose focus. It’s already starting to get tangled.

We’ve traveled through time. I thought that we would have to do this. But the actual doing of it is another thing entirely. We’ve gone back to before when Bright was still a real city and not a chaotic ruined mess. The people here live with magic infused in their daily lives. But still Bright is doomed.

Before going back we tried our best to prepare. As we came to terms with recent revelations we crafted, studied, trained, practiced. Xerxes is discovering a purpose behind his creation. It’s invigorated him. Vindral continues to unlock further mysteries of the dragon teachings. Before the fey courts were ruled by Amistaldia and the Green Man there was Queen Exphasia and the Melancholy Lord. We don’t know much about them other than that their fate is disputed. Jaden continues to hone his ability to craft magical items. Part of me wishes he could teach this knowledge to others although I confess that sometimes I too think a proliferation might become dangerous. I suppose we’ll see how Bright fared. I must guard against the same prejudices I condemn in others.

The Hounds of Light have decided to join me. I’m honored that they see good in our purpose. Their presence is reassuring. They’ve never had names of the sort we use. I’m to give them names. Ferron, Bartyl, Yahgon, and Masarun. Together we trained in preparation for my journey. I’ve learned to harness their ferocity into my attacks. I call the technique “Archon’s Menace”. I will strike fear into the hearts of the evil that obstructs us.

While we were preparing Alleira came to me to inform me of a story she had found. It seems in the past there was legend of a lady pirate that plagued the illuminated houses of Sarington. She was known to fly off her ship on feathered wings and wielded heavenly light. As it turns out the reason I am able to command the ship may be that I share a bloodline with this long departed raider. I want to know more about her. Is she really of my blood. Or rather, am I of hers? And if so, how and why did she join with someone from the Selavs or the Terrings? I shudder at the thought of it. It makes my skin crawl and I dread that I know the answer. If it is true I swear that I will honor her blood in me. I will use the tatters and shards of hate and fear and make right with them.

It seems that is in fact our true purpose. In the past Bright we met Crab. We traveled through time jumping to the platform outside the tower. But the city was alive. They greeted us as regular visitors. It was more alarming than the first time I used the platforms to enter a vacant ruin. When ultimately being granted an audience with Crab we learned many things.

So much. So much has changed. So much has been learned. I don’t even know where to start.

I have flown before. Nothing like this. This was magic beyond my wildest imagination. we were flying through the air, a thousand feet off the ground, in a ship meant for the ocean. I suppose the skies are our ocean now. We are still figuring out the ships full capabilities, but just this alone is something from a dream. After a short while sailing across the clouds we found ourselves back at the camp of the raptor men. We could hear there sounds from high above. We will have to make a decision to either be more discrete when travelling in this ship or to announce this ship to the world.

Getting off from such a height is a task unto itself. I unfortunately had to jump out and trust that Jaden would cast feather fall in time for me to not die. I was hesitant but I felt that i had a greater purpose then to die falling out of a flying ship. It was closer than I would have liked, but we landed safely all the same. We spoke with the queen, and returned her eggs to her filling her in on the events that transpired in the cave. Obviously we left out the bits about Casen and Crithas. We kept up our end of the bargain and she kept up hers. She gave us the arm band, the final piece to fixing the machine in Bright.

As we headed back to Bright in the ship, I poured through the parchments and books on my creation. I was special, there is no doubt about that. However, there were many similar to me. I knew there was, but this is proof. Crab was my creator and he made me to protect Bright. What happened to the rest of the animated? Why am I the only one left up and active? Questions that will have to be answered another time.

We arrived back in Bright and after retrieving Kellher and Sloim we quickly hurried to fix the machine. The rod fit into the obelisk and Vindrel wore the arm band. Apparently this made him Master of this tower, whatever that means. I was expecting some big surge of power or something, however it appears the obelisk was merely a sign. Not a sign of something to come, literally a sign to the tower. We headed into the basement to see if we could activate the machine. We stepped onto the platform and prepared ourselves mentally for whatever was about to happen. Before we fully activated it, we decided we should stop. It clearly had power again and we weren’t completely prepared to leave if in fact that is what would happen.

We trained and prepared ourselves over the next month. The time finally came for us to try the machine. We stepped onto the platform with Vindral at the podium. I don’t even understand or know what happened next. There was orange all around us. I could make out a face within the orange glow. The world seemed to be shifting around me, pulling at me. Within an instant our surroundings completely changed. We were back at the teleportation circle in front of the tower, but everything was different. It was alive again. The city bustled below us, the tower stood tall behind us.

We were all taking it in. The guards approached us thinking we were from some place called Nexus. The same word used as the activation word of the circle. We told him why we were here and that we needed to speak with Crab. He did not seem to helpful and more nervous that some trouble would be started. He told us he would send a messenger into the tower but we had to move along. Dazen appeared to be getting increasingly frustrated with the guard and not getting his way instantaneously. There was not much else to be done with this guard except to cause a scene, which I don’t think we needed. Dazen’s silver tongue seems to turn to stone when he becomes frustrated, I have a feeling when he learns to control his emotions there is not a single person that wouldn’t turn to our side.

We decided to split up, Dazen waited at the obelisk for the messenger to return and we headed to the government building to try to set an meeting with Crab. Dazen at his worst with his words could talk circles around Jaden at his best. We met with one of the officials and the first words out of his mouth were talking about “the end of the world.” I admit I am not always the best at speaking to people, but I know that is no way to start a conversation. The women obviously looked concerned and quickly finished up with us, stating it would take a few weeks before the meeting happened. Not quick enough.

We rejoined with Dazen and within a few minutes there seemed to be a crowd forming around the obelsisk, we were being watched. This was not going to be good. The official from the government building was in the crowd staring at us. Before I knew it, darkness completely enveloped us and we were being grabbed and pulled. A blink again and we were inside the tower standing with what must be Crab.

My maker, is a bitter and angry little gnome. I don’t know why but I pictured him as almost a saint. That does not seem to be the truth. Although his intentions do seem to be of good nature. I didn’t really know what to feel at seeing him. I suppose he is the closest thing I have to a father. He informed us of this master plan that we were a part of. Everything that has happened has happened by design. The items, the time travel, finding the ship, being here right now. Everything. Crab is one of many who came here to save everything. Our world is the lynch pin to the future from continuing. The gods he knows are dead, his world is gone, the planes are locked. Everything rests on our shoulders. We need to continue to make our way through time meeting the different people in his group and save the future by changing the past. It was a lot. There were so many questions we had and I thought using this machine would help answer them but all it has done is given even more questions.

Captain's Log

Why was I struck by the starfall that caused me to first cross paths with the others?

Why did the ruins react to me that day?

Why was I chosen?

I try my best. But it always seems that I’m not up to the task. Is my purpose truly only to destroy? For that seems to be all that I’m capable of doing. Can we save our world, all worlds, through only destruction? I must be missing something, as I always am.

In the wilds northwest of Bryght we found both peace and madness. The tribe, even tribes if I’m being generous, lived in a balance. This was so until another malign force had corrupted the land and some creature. We banished the dark creature, destroying it. But in doing so I fear we missed an opportunity to save it. Again, if saving it was possible, or intended, then why am I empowered only to destroy? We did manage to rescue a half dozen of the creature’s eggs. But it remains to be seen if they escaped the same corruption.

Beneath the creature’s lair was a remnant of the recent past. We found the lair of Crithas. Well, A Crithas. As it turns out, there was a Crithas several hundred years ago. He maintained his living area and laboratory here. He was acquainted with Crab and also took an apprentice, Casenaltharas. There was much more to Casenaltharas and Crab as it seems. Neither were from the area and claimed to be from Orlast. Crithas was suspicious.

Crithas studied runecraft. He believed that magical runes were the basis of all magic. He was possibly the greatest rune master of his age. The Pentax runes are something more. The other illuminated ones used the Pentax but didn’t truly understand them. I’m not sure if he was reading into it beyond what it was or if maybe the runes had made him lost.

His family runes are “Naen” and “Krau”. Naen is for the mind. Krau is the representation of magic. I don’t know what mine are. I can’t truly manifest them like the others can. I don’t think my light is actually a rune and none of the other illuminated ones have the marks that I do. The more I learn the more I doubt that I’m one of them.

We don’t know what happened to Crithas and Casenaltharas. But in the lab we found both of their bodies, dead. If that is truly what happened, then how is there still a Crithas?

A Crithas was going to leave the continent and head to Orlast. In doing so he had made or found an amazing vessel. It swims and flies. It is crewed by the unseen and powered by elementals. He never did make the trip because we found his vessel. And then it made me its captain…

You Keep What You Kill

8th Month, 6th Day

I feel that we approach the end of the path. The one that will end in our time. But for now there are loose ends to tie up…

We’d been tracking the leader of the kobolds. Somehow this creature has gained significant power. Although, should I be surprised? When we first faced him I was afraid to deal with him directly. We’ve gained enough power to confront him directly. But was it power, or foolishness. Had Jaden been ill-prepared his encounter could have been fatal. If he found us unawares it could prove to be our last encounter.

For this reason we decided to be systematic in our search and call for help. I sensed that my powers had grown and that the connection to beyond our world has grown. So I asked for help. And this time, it came. Iffandell arrived and with her speed and grace I know I would have been able to neutralize the kobold leader. We exhaustively searched the observatory island to no avail…

Time was running out. Every hour without resolution was another hour of danger for Allieua. So this time instead of physical help, I tried to get answers. I discovered that Kobulock hides on this island but does not lair here. We would encounter him in Allieua in the future. I also discovered that Vinder did meet Bahamut in the distant past and so too will Vindral.

We tried to return to Allieua but discovered the platform was disabled. We had to take the long way. We later discovered that someone must have been using magic to discover our attempt and disable our return. The timing was too convenient. But it worked. The confusion was dangerous and nearly cost an innocent life.

As it turned out, the kobold had gone to the ruins and was killing Dazen’s dryad. We arrived in time and thanks to the Divine, or fate, we were fast enough to kill him. For me to kill him…

I realize now that this simple act, something I consider a duty at times, has now burdened me with a much greater one. Slaying evil is one thing. Guiding creatures to a more peaceful existence is another entirely. I’m not equipped for this. I don’t know how to do it. And I’m afraid that I will do it wrong.

I will ask for help. I will ask for guidance. And I will pray that no foolish further endangers my home.

After a night under the watchful eyes under the Platinum Dragon, Dazen was able to get some to the room beneath Bahamut. This only led to us finding the passage down and a device that opened up further mysteries. This room was driven by the furnace, which we had destroyed. At this point, our only hope was Kheller. Who knows how long it would take her to repair it. The ancients showed me that the rebuilt furnace needed to be connected to the top of the mountain once more so the purple lightning could refuel it.

We explored the rest of the tower. There was nothing of use there. We decided our best course of action would be to head home and retrieve more of the precious metal required to rebuild the connection between the furnace of and the mountain top. This meant going home. Dazen was able to barter what we needed for a fair price. We also found that the dragon men, which Bahumut taught us were called Kobolds, had increased their offensive and that their leader had sprouted wings and were scouting Aluha’s defenses. It was decided that we would pay our old friend a visit.

During our travel to the Kobold camp, we saw him fly overhead. I followed as an air spirit for quite a while. Eventually, he turned and attacked me over open water. His fire magic was substantially more potent than anticipated. I returned to the group after losing him. We proceeded to their camp.

Upon arrival, we convinced the natives to allow us into his inner sanctum, which reveled a dragon skull and that he frequented the island. Dazen summoned Seasha and we removed the dragon skull from his lair. According to her, there were many others under the waters nearby. We made our way to the island to determine his course of action.

Another Guardian

I’ve never considered the different consequences of my silver tongue. Even as a man with magic I never considered the possibility of another taking my form and using it to their advantage. When I first learned of my magic, I KNEW it was a way to make everything easier… now I’m not so sure.

Thanks to some well-timed storms, Aldarizon’s connection to Vindral, and Sloim, Alara is healed. Xerxes and I traveled back to Kheller’s shop to trade a magic longsword for some diamond dust Xerxes used to restore Alara’s lifeforce. It would not have been necessary if we had not split up, only to reunite, but I admit my hesitation in traveling with these girls.

Hesitation aside, we decided as a group it was better they travel with us than without us, but we’d leave them behind to keep them safe, if we deemed it wise. What gives us the right? Power?

Fortunately, I could tell the storms were going to continue so Aladarizon was called forth once again so our entire group could travel back with him to the mountain peak. From there we used the newest of magic words to travel closer to the tower deep in the ruins of Bright.

“Xensarus,” Xerxes said. The lines of magic traveled over and through him, and brought us to an ambush. It stands to reason that wherever we are traveling to glows similarly, so the creatures knew something was coming.

There were four of them. Two of them were creatures we had encountered before, horrid creatures with tentacles and magic. The third appeared to be a man with a bird head; Aldarizon and Vindral dispatched it quite easily. The fourth was the creature that attacked Alara. I did not see it myself, but Jaden later revealed she was at the top of the tower with some monstrous creature holding a dark orb before jumping down with magical assistance. All of them were killed, except her. It would seem her terrifying beauty assists her predatory nature, making it all too easy to “kiss” someone, and drain the life out of them. Xerxes was the only victim of her kiss, but she got away.

And it wasn’t for lack of trying. I went outside my comfort zone and summoned three hound archons at once. As I mentioned already, Vindral asked Aldarizon to stay and fight, and even Jaden called on Garehrian. With all of her minions dispatched, she made the wise decision and vanished. Even after giving my eyes the ability to see invisibility, I could not find her. I wish I could cast that spell on someone with better eyes. But the best part, and it made my day, was that somehow the magic in Arius’s staff and in that area brought him back to life.

Jaden and Vindral could feel the pull of a magic granting area coming from within the tower, so we continued inside. Vindral kept Aldarizon around for a while longer, Jaden dismissed Garehrian, and apparently the magic in the area sought to keep the hound archons on our plane, which made them happier than they already were to escape the “nothingness” that has become the heavens.

We moved through the upper levels until someone made the suggestion we look for secret doors, especially since Jaden and Vindral felt the magic coming from the lower levels of the tower. Luckily, I had the spell prepared, as I often do when I know we are going to explore new buildings.

I wonder how many secret libraries this tower has?

Not surprisingly, I found a secret passage that had a rather complicated method of operation. The door to the tower needed to be closed, and two people needed to be standing at separate specific locations on either side of a wall.

Complicated though it was, it worked, only to reveal two magic symbols created by someone far beyond any of our abilities. I could tell after studying them that whomever created them could have made them even stronger, or made them a stronger symbol, like death. Terrifying as that was, the effects eventually wore off and we were able to continue down to the lower levels of the tower where we did something most people only do once… we died.

The hallway opened to a large half-sphere of a room. It was dark in here, and none of us had the desire to disturb any of the torches along the walls in the hallway. I can see well in the dark, and because of the fight from earlier, I could see invisibility too. Once I was about halfway into the room, I saw the glinting of scales on an enormous dragon.

To be honest, I am not certain how well I hid my seeing it from the dragon, but I immediately turned and advised the others to leave the room with me, but not before the dragon I would later learn is Bahamut, the first dragon, opened his mouth and breathed a magic that could only belong to such an incredible creature. It was every energy at once, even sonic! And it guaranteed our deaths five times over.

We emerged from our deaths, remembering everything, at the moment I first saw the dragon. Instead of attempting to flee, I begged. “Please do not kill us!”

He hesitated, allowing me to attempt to use my silver tongue on a creature capable of destroying me in more ways than I probably realize. He asked if we were members of one of the orders of the moon, and he also asked for a pass phrase.

I will admit wanting to spew forth the pass phrase we decided on a few days ago, but now was not the time for sarcasm.

So we left the room so the dragon was not compelled to kill us, and continued our fruitless attempts at guessing the pass phrase. Xerxes and Jaden divined an answer, but only received advice indicating we already knew the answer.

So finally, nerves calmed and about thirty guesses in, I said, “What lovely weather we are having…”

The dragon responded immediately. “Let’s hope it continues to stay this mild.”

I would love to espouse my theories about how that is even possible, but my head already hurts and I need to spend time thinking of a way into the chamber beneath Bahamut’s cavern. He said the mages of Bright would spend a great deal of time down there, and that only Jaden, Vindral, Arius, Gilroy, Xerxes, and myself would be allowed to find a way.

We couldn’t find a staircase, secret door, tunnels, or anything else obvious. When asked how the mages would get down there, Bahamut responded, “Magic.”

Speaking of magic, Vindral and Jaden were able to exchange their abilities for something new, but nothing that would help us get below.

At least until we find a way down we are safe within the tower, kept secure by a platinum dragon.

Well, hopefully those creatures don’t try to follow and betray us. This forest is filled with deceit and hatred. The ill will toward almost everything is very uncomfortable. I lead us north for about an hour or so. It stood to reason that we should try to find their original home and that might give us some clues. We rested for the night, which gave us the opportunity to learn more about our new companion.

The first peculiarity about him is that he does not require sleep. Quite unnatural. He proceeded to ask if anyone of us had any tools with which to cut gems or make weapons. It so happened that we had Arius’ gem-cutting kit. Apparently these tools help him “learn” about himself. I left it at that and we all turned in. I awoke to him observing the tools in a similar fashion as to when we had left him several hours ago. It was as though he was still just seeing them for the first time even though it had been hours. Finally, he seemed to take particular interest in our sleeping. Xerxus looked like he was studying them/us. Still, nothing terribly alarming yet.

We proceeded to the north and eventually reached the edge of the valley. Sure enough, there was a rockslide. I transformed into an earth elemental and proceeded to investigate the rubble while my companions looked for tracks. Eventually, I managed to find a cave entrance. Therein was in fact a dwelling with the remnants of deceased monkey goblins and their spawn. Nothing else of value was found here. There were no other ways out. They died of starvation.

We decided it would be best to head southeast toward the river. The next logical place to remain would be near a water source. It was a long day of travel so we opted to rest again. We were then approached by a Dryad from the court of dusk. She seemed harmless enough. She remained with us for the evening and pointed us in the direction of river. We talked a bit about the valley.

The next day we set out, but she remained by her tree. The time went by and the forest even got me turned around. Eventually, we did find the group of goblin monkeys that had the leader with them. We engaged in combat and managed to bring down most of them. Dazen struck him blind and the remaining force fled into the jungle. We kept the leader alive so that we could question him, but the tools were ours. Oddly enough, he was dying, but not due to us. Something was draining away his life energy and it was not us. Another strange occurrence was that even though we took the tools away from him, they somehow ended up back in his possession even though they aren’t magical. I had Xerxus hold onto them in plain sight and that ceased to happen. We talked to him about why things happened the way they did. He informed us that the queen had actually given the tools to him in order to construct traps to kill the dawn court members. This conflicted with the queen’s story and he did not seem to be lying. She had us hunt him down when he decided to no longer side with her.

Choosing a path...

I used to see the stars from the same place on our farm. Every night the familiar light shining down over me would carry me off to sleep, and then in my dreams I would yearn for more. I wanted to see more and to find a way to visit the source of my fantasy. Now I am…

Waking up at campsites has become commonplace for me, but I do not sleep as comfortably since Arius was killed. I have my talents, but perception is not one of those talents. It was comforting to know that Eephendel, a divine unicorn with wings, was sleeping only a few feet away from me.

When the others woke she told us to prepare ourselves for travel into the realm of Dusk. Gilroy was startled when he awoke, having no knowledge of the previous night’s events with the Green Man, and said he had no desire to visit Dusk, and his goal was to visit the city of Bright. Eephendel explained, at length, that Bright is beyond the realm of Dusk, and that finding another way is nearly impossible given the valley and other geography. I reminded Gilroy that my main goal is to find my sister, and that as of last evening, I gave my word to the leader of one of the two surviving Fae courts that I would help resolve issues within Dusk. In a very frank resolve, Gilroy protested, saying it’s not our problem.

Despite the rough start to the conversation Gilroy became rather cordial asking to know more about Eephendel, like her parentage (unicorn mother and divine spirit father), intentions, and age. He even summoned Valefor so that the two creatures could meet one another. Before Gilroy dismissed Valefor, and I am sure I am not the only one who noticed, Gilroy asked Valefor to detect something on him. After a moment of looking at Gilroy, Valefor turned away suddenly, followed very quickly by dismissal.

Once each of us was prepared to leave we did so, and it didn’t take long for Jaden to notice something before the rest of us. Trap after trap after trap. The first was a rock trap that shot a poison dart, and another was a tripwire set to trigger a bow and arrow. Gilroy, Jaden, and Vindrel handled the traps in one way or another, usually violence.

As it grew darker Eephendel suggested we make camp, saying she would stay with us for the night, but return to the court of Dawn in the morning. It was at that moment I realized the lighting had changed. No longer were we in a constant state of early morning. Now it seemed more like that point in the night where the stars first get their opportunity to show you their light. Despite knowing what I know about the Dusk, I must admit it felt comforting, but probably because it reminded me of home.

During the night I was woken by Eephpendel, saying there were spiders with faces attacking us but she could not see them. I cast see invisibility and saw they were above Gilroy and Vindrel, and got a better look at them. Phase spiders, deadly as they either given up and run or leave no survivors. I pointed the creatures out after getting Vindrel to wake up, then cast my witchfire at one only to have it pass through him as if he was not even there. Unfortunately I set one of the trees on fire, though we later put it out. The creatures phase between different points on different planes, so we had to wait for them to be “real” enough to hit. The others moved and tried attacks accordingly, but most of them had no effect. Hoping it would give me some type of advantage I cast fly and flew up above the scene.

It was shortly after a middle-aged man with short, matted down hair with well-built shoulders and a very earthly look walked into the fray and said simply, “I finally found you.” After confirming none of us, including Eephendel, knew this man, Jaden asks him to confirm the spiders were not his soldiers.
Fortunately, Jaden was able to cast a dimensional anchor on one of the spiders, forcing it to stay on our plane. Eephendel was attacked, but healed herself shortly after while also delivering a few hits of her own. Jaden transformed into a tiger, but was bitten after attacking one of the spiders. The stone man, later calling himself Xerxus, cast neutralize poison on Jaden while calling on the spirit of life.

Once the battle was over we started to learn more about our random visitor, who turned out to be not so random after all. “You can help me with my purpose and the one who awoke me had a vision of you, and sent me to the grandmother in Vowoua, and then to Keller, and now here.” His purpose, he claims, is to restore balance, like restoring spirits to their natural place. Xerxus estimates his age at about 400 years, mentioning Yabaro as his maker, a western mountain tribesman.

It turns out the grandmother had a vision of one of us dying, as Xerxus was quick to notice that Arius was missing. I explained, but did so in a way that made it clear I was not going to talk about it at length. It is still too close.

With a new companion we decided to head off further into Dusk to find a place to wait for our invitation. After about an hour, we found a number of pikes with the heads of Dawn Fae and other mutilated creatures. A few of us started removing a dryad from a pike, which earned us a warning from Xerxus. He said the lands were not ours and that we can “Take on the Fey courts if we wish.”

“Is that why I am here?” I wonder

After a few hours of waiting, two Redcaps appear with bloody hats and weapons to match. Their hats give them power, and they are some of the sneakiest creatures we have come upon. I think Vindrel knew a fair amount about them too, because he very quickly warned me to tread carefully. The redcaps proved more polite than I expected, and revealed that Xerxus was known by the First as Stasis Keeper, Spirits Effigy, Forged Soul, and a few other titles. It must be remarkably comforting to know what the First know.
After a quick and sick deciding game, one of the redcaps leaves for the Queen on our behalf. The other, Blood Wart, stays behind and tells us all about the different decorations on the pikes. None of us responded very well.

No long after, the other redcap returned with news that the Queen would see us, but only after we fetch a missing heirloom she believes was stolen by a group of monkey goblins. It would seem this was the last straw for Gilroy and Vindrel, stating immediately that they refuse to help. I asked the redcaps which direction to head. I turned north and stated again that he needed to get to his sister and that we need to play the single-minded games of the Fey, only to be told again by Vindrel and Gilroy that they would not be involved.

Maybe if I’d been in a better mood. Maybe if I was a wiser aspect of myself. Maybe if it was not the same exact conversation. Maybe maybe maybe. Maybe if I was not so frustrated and scared I would have responded better, but I could not deal with it anymore. I started walking north and said, “Good luck gentlemen.”

Jaden came up behind me about a minute later, which I admit was a big comfort. We continued forward while the others stayed behind, likely to talk more and more and reach the same conclusion as every other time: get involved and do what we can. A few hundred feet ahead of us, we found a group of monkey goblins going through an abandoned wagon. Jaden counted their number and estimated there were at least ten, so we turned around and headed back to the others.

Though it was probably no longer than five minutes, Gilroy had already begun traveling backwards to get back to Dawn, apparently in the hopes of getting Eephendel to bring him to the other side of the valley. I hope he’s okay, and I will feel awful if something happens to him, but I will not let the others stifle the broader range of vision I have in this world.

I did ask Jaden to reach Gilroy and try to convince him to return. Apparently it was not enough as only Jaden returned, so all of us, except Gilroy, headed for the goblins.

They were very sneaky and many in number, but our combined efforts bore them down and gave me an opportunity to speak with one of the creatures after I cast tongues. Normally I would start with conversation and then move to violence, but at that moment I needed to hurt something.

Eventually I calmed down enough to talk with the leader of this small pack, who explained that the chief probably has the heirloom, but that the chief is hard to find. Well, it’s only a giant valley full of things that want to kill us or trick us… so what could go wrong?

_Sarington is lost. The people that live there are migrating, to Fowhlet-town for now and possibly farther. The magic that made this land predictable is no longer functioning. Many are dead. Some are missing. But soon all will be starving and exposed to the elements.

This is the salvation we have brought them.

We followed them to Fowhlet-town. I have more help for them._

We snuck into the town and met Keller and Sloims. I’m glad these two have found each other. I think together they will produce wondrous things. It’s a shame it should only come to pass in these dark times.

We took the first day to ourselves. Since we are fugitives it made sense to retreat to the ruins to read our stolen books. Jadenharr stayed behind to learn more here. It’s a shame we had to leave so much behind because we learned a lot.

It seems ancient dragons were the progenitors of creation. I didn’t really follow Vindral’s explanation but there were original dragons, then other dragons, and some orcs, and then elves. The elves wiped out the orcs. Or was it the dragons? But one of the last great dragons was bound at Bright.

But the dragons were not the first people. The first people came from the First World, which seems like it might actually not be the first world if you trust the dragons’ word. Maybe there are dragons there too. But they fey and the first worlders represent ideas. The fey organize themselves into courts based on cycles. Many are gone. Maybe the elves killed them too, they don’t seem fond of old races. There are at least two courts left: dusk and dawn. Some of them lived on the paths between Bright and Sarington.

In the recovered books of Jadenharr Kirast. His writings were illuminating. The families, it seems, are more closely related than they like to pretend. He has a lot of experience working for and against many families and was familiar with their wards and protections.

Finally, I used one of those shards again. It seems that in the distant past before the storm the powers that be had at times a great emissary. There were people like me, chosen for some reason to represent a power. At one time there was a great leader, a paladin, that sacrificed their own life to save a great number of people. That person was helped by a couatl. But their faith has died out. And though there have been people throughout history that wielded divine power, most of them seem to have gained power through faith and not divine grace. So as long as they had faith, in themselves or from others, their power remained, even if they were a twisted caricature of the ideals they were supposed to represent. It’s possible that the grantor of that power may not even be the thing the worshipper claims. I’ve seen beings from other worlds, couatls and angels, demons, daemons. I can tell them apart, I think. But are my abilities from the couatls and angels or are they just making use of them because they’re convenient and it is another power that I’m channeling? I guess it doesn’t matter.

When we returned to Keller’s we met with Jadenharr and our few friends. The families are working with the counselors under the leadership of Maearn. They’re working together for now. But it’s a certainty that they’ll be back to their favorite pastimes in short order, which is apparently just fine as far as the families are concerned. The caravans are leaving and some people are traveling with them. Ours is going home, without us. I wonder, should we just use the platforms and bring people back to Allieua? We have farms there and the faeries that live nearby are happy to multiply our flocks. It might just come to that.

Our status as fugitives is perhaps not as significant as I thought. The councilors only want Arius. They think he was working some powers on Allacor, controlling him. Yesterday I would have said that was a lie because Arius is my friend and he’s shown himself to be a good man. But that is not true. While he was gaining his memories back his past self came again and all he sought was domination and control. The old Arius, the REAL Arius, the evil Arius, had returned. I’ve begun to wonder, just what is he capable of? If he had the power to control Allacor, couldn’t he control me? Could he still be controlling him? When Valefor looked at me and saw an overwhelming evil, was he seeing Arius? I will have to keep an eye on Arius as often as possible. There is no way to trust his actions anymore, they may be a ruse to deceive us. I hope that in that weird book of the Quori where thought becomes reality that we find a way to seal someone’s powers. The divine ones won’t do it for us. For the safety of everyone he cannot regain his former powers.

Was there even anything we could have done to prevent this? Most likely not, but there is now a massive creature roaming the world that is beyond our power.

I parted with the group to check on Sloim while the rest of them helped with what they could on the way out. Upon arriving to the copse of trees, I performed the regular knock and the door did not open. Perhaps I did it wrong. I tried once again and it opened for me. Descending into the shop, the familiar voice of Daymar echoed along with Sloim’s. I assisted them in bagging up as much of the shop as I could and left with them. We eventually caught up with the group as they were going in the same direction. We eventually parted ways with them as it would be best to protect them from any formal association with us should we run into trouble in Fowlet town. Eventually we caught up with everyone else and Vindral.

That night I inspected the equipment we recovered from the estate. Unsurprisingly, the majority of the objects were psionic in nature. Among everything, there was a shield that was magical and better than mine. Useful for fighting Quarry it seems. I believe the greatest assets will end up being the crystal shards we found. They have the ability to transfer a wealth of knowledge from one being to another. Each one focuses on certain topics. The question is – whose memories are these? Perhaps the elders may know. That being said, you have to jam the crystal into your skull to use it. I will not be partaking. We also decided to keep Alacore’s equipment hidden for the time being. Dazen expressed a great deal of concern for his sister. I communed with the spirits to try to determine her whereabouts. She apparently went northwest – through the forest, beyond a mountain and in a valley in some hills. I suspect that will be our next destination after town.

The next day, Arius and Gilroy stuck a shard into themselves to learn new things. We then set off to Fowlet town. We should reach there today sometime and begin getting some answers. Along the path Gilroy indicated he saw a pair of red eyes in the woods and something attacking his mind. We thought he was just seeing things and then I experienced a similar sensation. The moment I saw the eyes, I used a faerie fire to illuminate our spy and we proceeded to detain the creature. I have no idea what it could be, but it apparently can only communicate through images in our minds and has been watching us for some time.

The further away from home, the more mysteries approach us. I wonder if all travelers experience such wonder.

The island estate held many secrets… and surprises.

Jadan and I found a secret door that opened to a second library, a room filled with more specific information and chests filled with coin, too. Unfortunately, Arius needed to use some of his power to open (or close) the portals. It became an even bigger issue when we later explored another secret area below the estate, about 100 feet below…

The others went down the staircase and left me upstairs. I believe the reasoning was that I’d be most likely to talk myself out of a bad situation. I was up there for maybe a minute before Arius started haling me to come down via our telepathic link. I told him to try and stall, saying he was waiting for instructions. When I reached the lower level, I walked into a dark hallway where two counselors were found guarding an underground fountain. I tried the best lie I could think of, claiming that counselor Mayern sent us down. They didn’t buy it, and eventually we fought until the two counselors were bound in rope.

I expected the counselors to be more pleasant once bound, but they were not; they were more stubborn than my sister. All the kind words and promises of peace and freedom from their bounds was not enough to sway their attitudes, so I tried the other side of the coin, which worked. (I really don’t like speaking to people that way, but it’s getting easier… I’m not sure if that means something ominous or I’m just starting to see the world more clearly.) While my companions and I were speaking with them, I cast detect thoughts, a spell I learned recently from Lurin’s book. The spell confirmed my suspicions, that the quori inhabit the bodies and minds of their hosts, but the host mind is not consumed in the transformation. It lingers on.

The conversation turned into more of an interrogation once the “secret” was out. We learned a great deal from them, including the layout of our surroundings: a prison, an orgy pit, a transformation chamber, and yet another library. Once they reached their resolve, they stopped talking again, however, a new ability Arius learned allowed him to dominate the mind of the weaker guard. Helpful. Disturbing… but helpful.

Vindral went to the library door, another psionically controlled portal, with Arius and I following close behind. Vindral started slashing at the door with his sword, but thankfully Arius’s thrall could use his power to open it instead of Arius. We found many more books and took some for safe keeping. We also found chests of magical wears and trinkets, which I promptly stuffed into the red cloak.

Meanwhile, Jadan (in tiger form) and Gilroy lingered in the main hall and received a visitor. A counselor from the transformation chamber walked in and almost immediately became hostile, or so I assume. We dispatched the counselor, but then it transformed into some monstrosity I speculate is a true form of the quori. The more we hurt it, the more we heard it screaming in our minds. And upon slaying the creature, it screamed both verbally and mentally. Like a terribly stricken lament, other screams returned its cry. Somehow, the quori are connected, and they felt the creature’s death. Time was of the essence.

We knew they were coming, so we had to be quick. I stole the book that was in the main room, assuming it’s important in some way. Vindral knocked down a door, dragged it into the stairway entrance, and lit it on fire. I used a wall of fire spell from a staff I took from the third library, and Arius summoned his guardian, Efreet. Efreet used his powers to strengthen the fire (I think) and made an illusion to make it look like the ceiling was collapsing.

In the transformation chamber we found a giant seastone inside of some glowing crystal shell, radiating power of some kind. The room was also being guarded by quori, with more on the way. A battle raged, with a great deal of screaming, both physical and mental, until Allacor arrived. By that time, Arius was holding the stone from the pillar (Vindral smashed it open) and when Allacor noticed he burst into tears and pleaded with us to keep it away from him. I’ve never heard more words with more emotion or power laced into every syllable.

We tried talking with Allacor, but he kept urging us to leave between fits of grabbing his head and screaming in pain. I flew down the pit in the center of the room to the water’s edge and called for Seesha, hugging her as she appeared. As always, she was enormously helpful, creating a slide of water for everyone to ride down. Gilroy and I were the last to leave the room, plunging under the water and pulled by the tide of a broken door/dam.

The water pulled us for about a minute until we found ourselves in a cavern. From the looks of it, the cavern hadn’t been used in years. And as the case has been in the past, we found a door that glowed with power when we touched it with one of our special items. I touched my grimoire to the door and it opened to a room filled with jewels and coins, all of which we took with us.

Upon exiting we found that the city had erupted with insanity, as some of the quori had promised before their deaths. I passed by a woman who was fighting with nothing, confirmed by my see invisibility spell, so I spoke to her and she snapped out of it. Other places in the city there were these monsters attacking specific people. But the craziest part was seeing a gigantic monster floating out over the water, watching the nightmare that had taken hold of the city.

Come to find out, the monster was Allacor reborn. According to Arius, when the Quori die, they often shift to the other side of the moral spectrum, and so we knew that Allacor had died to be reborn as this thing. He was not hostile, though to be fair I don’t know what could have threatened him considering his size and likely his power. Allacor kept insisting he wanted to “watch the end” and that the worlds were colliding and there was nothing anyone could do but wait for the end. The realm of dreams, nightmares specifically, was leaking onto our world, like others may in the future.

Eventually Allacor left with his companion who had also transformed into some weird monster, and each of us returned to land after overcoming some kind of compulsion to feel intense fear, likely an effect from the nightmare realm. Gilroy’s prayers brought forth celestials to assist the people of the city, urging us to “flee the city” because “this city is lost”.

We saved the slaves that were in the estate, though admittedly I had little to do with it. I am glad we saved them, but my friends and family will always be my first priority. Why? I admire Gilroy, as he gives himself without question but still retains enough curiosity to be more than a fool. And Vindral… it’s always the quiet ones you have to watch out for. I have a great deal of magic power, and it’s only getting stronger, but Vindral’s skill in combat is like the perfect somatic components to a spell. He makes it look so easy, like a dance, and his mind is easily equal to that of a wizard. But like Gilroy, it’s his heart I find most valuable. Jadan’s dedication to the balance of nature is something I deeply appreciate, especially given my apparent heritage with the fey. His resolve is valuable. And Arius, I feel so badly for him. It seemed he had finally found someone to help him learn about himself, someone to help him feel not so lost. And now, like all the best prose in the land, irony has found Allacor. Arius has transformed into something greater (he says), but now Allacor is lost.

It seems like the more we learn about the world, the more the world wants to fall apart…

and more libraries

We approached the estate, like any other day for me. However access to the library had finally been granted to myself and my allies. It was finally time to see what knowledge was stored within these walls. There could be information on myself or who I am, or rather what I am. You could tell some of the counselor’s were a bit weary of the others being in the estate and their purpose.

The library was not huge, but the biggest there has been on this planet. I immediately began cataloging their selection so it would be easier to know what information was in the library for future use. Jaden began searching around as well as Dazen. I suppose they were looking for anything hidden within the library.

Very shortly after I began cataloging, one of the other counselor’s came in. Of course his intentions were questioned by Jaden and Dazen as if it was our library and he was a guest. I had better things to do though, finding information. Still scanning and seeing nothing of particular use to me.

After the counselor left Jaden and Dazen began working at one of the bookcases and revealed a secret door. Behind the bookshelf was a large door covered in psionic runes. It appears I would need to feed it my own psionic energies in order for the door to open. This is a quite inefficient way to open a door. Why waste so much psionic power just to open a door.

Behind the door was another library. This one filled with information that the counselors did not want many eyes to be reading. Much of it seemed to be written in the first person as a Quori. It seems as though most of the counselor’s have been “bonded” with the Quori. We spent much more time in this room learning as much as we could.

They also kept some of their coin in this library,. That is also strange to me as well. Why would they not use the vault. Perhaps they do not want others to know about all of their wealth. Jaden and his usual nosey self discovered that the chests open the same way as the door. So of course I exhausted more of my psionic energy to open and close the chests. Hopefully we do not get into any confrontations this day. In the last chest, he found another secret latch. After triggering it and getting himself stabbed in both hands a stairwell was uncovered in the ground.

Wanting to poke around everywhere we don’t belong or not been invited to, we headed down. We left Dazen up top as he was the one most likely able to talk himself out of a situation if someone came into the library. The stairwell went down around 100 feet and then came to a doorway. The door led to a hallway with some type of well in the middle of a room, and two guards.

I contacted Dazen through our Mind Link and he began heading down stairs. We began to try to civilize with the two counselors, however that did not work out very well and it quickly came to blows. I did everything in my power to immobilize them and get the unconscious so we could bind them and question them. It was very strange because when I had dazed them they still used powers that I didn’t think they could. I will need to look into that.

We learned that there is yet another library down below, as well as prisoners and a sex pit. These counselors like to hide a lot of who they are. One of the bound guards also said I was not a Quori. It looks like that theory is gone. If I am not Quori than what or who am I. We are also now going to have some issues as these guards will most likely tell others about us but I do not wish to kill them. Do we risk it and explore more of what’s down here or simply leave. If we leave do we try just walking right out the front. How long do we have. We are on a clock right now with a deadline and we don’t know how long we have. So many unanswered questions still. When will I learn something.

It's a trap!

A fool sees all and understands little. I’m coming to believe that I am the fool is this play.

Sarington is filled with intrigues intertwining the players as so many colored auras. A hateful glance, a jealous rage, a simmering resentment, blood-soaked ambition, and careless disregard; I see all of them. I don’t know how to untie those knots. A hammer couldn’t sever a normal rope, let alone one woven with the fibers of shadowy conceit.

At the celebratory party I was nearly blinded by so many twisting, flickering, grasping auras. It’s not surprising that a place which fosters that amount of simmering negativity would be attacked by someone. No matter what that person’s motivation was or if they had a valid claim, there were innocent people there who could not defend themselves. Luckily we were there and could banish the elemental spirits. It also revealed that so many of the councilors possess psionic powers.

I need to also be on my guard or I risk forging my own knots. As I was out training in the fields I let Valefor out to absorb the powers of this world. I suspect he is never truly at rest and so he was searching the area for auras. It was then that he was stunned by the overwhelmingly evil aura emanating from me. The good in me was still there, but not as strong. I admit to feeling powerless that my senses are not as useful as his. I’ve asked that he warns me if it should ever happen again.

I am grateful that it seems as if we can unbind these bonds that we forge for ourselves. The shock of the ceremony seems to have shunted Kawel back onto the right path. I’ve been doing my best to help him in the past few weeks. Together we’ve helped the Omel clan to recover from their injuries and prevent sickness from getting settled amongst the clans. I’m also going to be bringing copies of the sacred texts that are ready with us on the caravans. I am still a bit fearful that allowing the structure of Sarington’s church to spread before the core of the message does could be risky. I will bring it myself.

While there have been good works these past few weeks there have also been strange goings on and secret plots, some of our own doing. There is a drug that is used widely in the town. It’s not magical but it may alter mental states, perhaps make them more susceptible to influence? Dazen and Jadenharr have been looking into it. Several estates have secret underground vaults guarded by magic. They must know by now that we have trespassed there. Meanwhile, there is a pack of wolves on the Irevaenar estate. They’re not native to this region and no one knows why or how they got here. Perhaps their abilities to sniff out interlopers provides protection.

Furthermore, it seems that Daymar the druid is complicit in the attacks on the mansion. I’m not sure why or how but he is in contact with Krythis, the wizard from the observatory. I warned Daymar that standing by and allowing innocents to be killed makes him as guilty as the one who attacked. If Krythis attacks again and Daymar knows and does nothing then I will give him retribution.

We are going to get access to the library now. I do not know what we will learn there. But hopefully it can shine a light over so many of the shadowy recesses that make up this town.

Our journey to Sarington. We arrived there with no further incident. We were greeted on the outskirts by a few guards, one of which was a peculiar fellow with a green tint to his skin. Word of what we had done on the mountain had made its way here already, so we knew we were in for some attention. However, Arius in particular seemed to gather some pointed fascination – far more than normal.

I was amazed by the sight here. The amount of effort to go into

constructing a place like this must have been tremendous. We left

the caravan as we had business to conduct that required some discretion. With a bit of social skill (not my own) we managed to find a merchant that we could offload some of the magical equipment that we did not need. I never thought we would find someone like this. But he seems very friendly and easy to work with. He gave us a bit of a puzzle to solve to find his underground magic shop inside a tree on the outskirts of town. I was able to obtain materials to craft items. We also became affiliated with “the vault”. It seems like a very convenient way to keep wealth somewhere without having to carry it around. Very convenient. We then spent the night at an inn that was far more expensive than it seemed to be necessary, but such is the cost of luxury.

The next day, we split up to do whatever interested us the most. The merchant had told me about a Druid named Daymar that apparently lived here. He worked in the building across from the vault. I payed a visit to him and asked him about what he does, indicating I knew of his Druidic heritage. He was a bit taken back so we decided to meet later that night out in a field. I spent the remainder of the day crafting while the others gathered information and honed their skills. Our meeting was interesting that night. He seemed genuinely interested in what I had learned so far, but didn’t have much to teach me. However, he did know that there was a sect that imprisoned outsiders. That sounds like a responsibility that could fall to me. I also learned of creatures in the waters nearby. I will investigate. I slept at the caravan that night.

The following day we discussed going to the grand sermon before the party. I reluctantly resolved to attend. The morning was spent crafting and then to the sermon. They arranged everyone based on how well they sung. Suffice to say, I declined. Then, during the middle of it all, angelic being sprung from gilroy and proceeded to (what I later learned) ridicule the leader of their chruch. So much for him being benevolent. Gilroy had a feeling about him anyway. A grumpy looking angel stood beside me and my companions, and a few others. The party began later that evening. Arius got paraded up on a stage and seemed to be presented as the reincarnation of their once great leader I think. He seemed to handle it well enough. The group was then ushered up to the mansion across the bridge. I arrived late after surveying the area. It seemed everyone of importance was in attendance. Even our blacksmith showed up in Hydra Hide a little later. Oddly enough, Daymar indicated he wanted to meet me again later. I do not know what for.

And before the next storm...

Our adventure at the doorway to the violet lit sky is over, as is our trip into whatever fire world dwells “within” the volcanic mountain. We leave behind three…. allies. The first is an evil fire spirit that has taken a liking, or as much of one as possible, to Arius. The seconds happens to be a storm giant who spent time killing the fire spirit as a result of a compulsion gone wrong, and has some sort of connection to Vindral. Last but not least is a royal Salamander, and a royal pain in the ass, who has taken up residence in the heart of the volcano, possibly in some odd rift of space. If they each keep to themselves I expect no issues, so I expect some issues. In all seriousness, the most important part of this story is that the people of Sarrington and the surrounding area are safe.

I was not particularly fond of the counselor woman from Sarrington who confiscated some of my sister’s things; however, Gilroy (in the form of Arius) has revealed a reason not to trust that my sister always has the best of intentions. Had our roles been reversed, had she been the one about to be burned at the stake, I believe my intentions would have been identical.

But Sarrington has revealed itself to be a place of prosperity and happy people, which is likely why I am so skeptical of it. Like my town, this city seems to have a family at the top, and by the top I mean a mansion on a completely separate island away from the city. I learned while making my rounds through the city that Sarrington has no libraries, save for the archives in the church and the private collection held by aforementioned family. My hope is to gain access to their collection through regular means, but I have a backup plan should it be necessary.

The church I mentioned earlier is “of the people” and “of the faith”, represented by a seastone with a flickering aura of purple. I believe Arius and Gilroy visited the church so I’m looking forward to hearing about what they learned. Many of us knew enough local history or talked to some of the veteran caravaners to gather that magic exists in Sarrington. It’s treated with a fair amount of excitement and reverence, so much so that many locals wear charms or carry trinkets they believe to possess magical good luck. While I doubt that’s true, I can say that we did manage to find a magic shop.

It took many hours, a map, several conversations, a riddle, and a great deal of patience, but we found Sloim’s shop. It is hidden underground with metal laid throughout the cavern, which I feel is appropriate for such a strange little gnome. The slogan we were told to use to hint we knew of his more exotic wears is the same slogan he gifted us once we purchased our things: “The order came out wrong but that doesn’t mean it’s not right!” Sure it doesn’t, Sloim.

But magic is not the most surprising thing to me in Sarrington. The counselors of the city, many of them, practice psionics. It’s also true that not all psions are counselors, but to learn it’s at least somewhat out in the open could mean that Arius isn’t as alone in his personal life or tutelage as we all assumed. He even took it upon himself to speak with one of the counselors at the Silver Sentinel, the nicest inn I’ve ever seen (and the most expensive). The conversation went okay considering no violence occurred, but unfortunately Arius forgot to ask him his name. Arius also said the gentleman was neither a psion or “useful”. Better luck next time, Arius.

Some of the other inns in the city include Haven on the Hill (known for its music), Ogglefoots (known for its food), and the Rotwood (known for strong drinks and great gossip). I hope to pit Haven on the Hill and the Silver Sentinel against in each in a bidding war for my voice; nothing says I can’t have some fun and make a little money at the same time.

I should also note that the town is extremely well-guarded, so all of us need to be careful with what we say and do, magically and otherwise. The Coric family controls the outer wall, the Vault family guards the vault (massive golden structure controlled by dwarves) and also includes some bodyguards, and each family seems to have its own familial militia. It’s not a place I’d like to start trouble, unless it’s pitting the families against each other… and don’t think the thought hasn’t crossed my mind.

We received a formal announcement from a town runner informing us that Sarrington will be celebrating Quench Storm, which includes festivities at the town square, each of the inns, and for a select few (we 5 included), a gathering at the giant family island mansion. I think I know what happens next, so I’m sure it’ll be completely different.

We traveled down the side of the mountain with Efreet but we had to go without Gilroy because of his exhaustion. Dazen went in the front with Arius’ staff so he could communicate with the salamanders. Dazen was able to arrange to talk to the leader.

While Dazen was gone, Arius and I went inside but we could hear movement. Jaden also went in but he went through the stone and found a hidden tunnel. Within the tunnel was a dead person in robes and not much else.

Dazen successfully negotiated with the salamanders for access to the summoning room. While there, Jaden went back into the tunnel to get the magical items off of the dead body. They were bracers of protection, a headband of alchemical intelligence, a ring of electrical protection and robes designed with magical pockets. The robe had a spellbook called the Tome of Lurin which Dazen finds useful.

Unfortunately, when Dazen looked inside the book he was paralyzed by a magical trap. Arius and Jaden tried several times to dispel the effect but it wouldn’t take. Arius then studied the runes in the room and was able to find a way to undo the binding on the giant.

Jaden and I drag Dazen outside and Efreet carried him the rest of the way up the side of the mountain. Gilroy summoned his creature and gave Dazen the ability to move for a while.

Jaden then found the runes that Arius described and used magic to remove them from the stone, unbinding the giant.

We then went back down the side of the mountain again. On the way, the giant was hit by lots of lightning but never hurt. Inside the mountain, we told the salamanders we were going to take care of the hydra and they let us pass.

The air in the hydra’s chamber was hot and toxic but the giant was able to make it breathable. There was a rift leading to a magical place of fire and falling into the rift was the device we knew to destroy.

Arius used the device as a weapon against the hydra, breaking it and freeing Efreet. We fought well and destroyed the hydra.

While Arius gained Efreet as a summon, he’s bound to stay in this place or the rift will get worse again. So we left him there and brought the hydra carcasse to sell. On the way out, we told the salamanders the situation and the leader, Lord Tezalick, agrees to stay there and not cause trouble.

At the top of the mountain again, we destroyed the spire. We also collected the bits of smokestone around it.

Alderizon found he is also bound to this place to control the storm and violet energy. He diminished the storm so it wouldn’t look as threatening. Jaden allowed me to wear the headband and ring until which point we divide up things to sell or redistribute.

Alderizon also gave me the ability to fly. He said the spirits of air make it happen. I asked him what he would like in return, and he said he wants to know more about his people, the court of air, and what is going on in the world.

The last thing we did there was pull out the thin wires of alanite. Then we used the teleporter to go back to the blacksmith.

Keller was dressed nicely which was odd. She and Arius had a mental chat and we found out that people were having a party in our honor, or having the last hurrah before their world ended. They cheered for us. I was better able to enjoy myself once Dazen cleaned off the hydra guts.

The storm came suddenly, as they always do. However, the lightning is brutal but came nowhere near me. This gave me the opportunity to fly about and put out the fires it was starting. This allowed some people to get cover and safe. Almost everyone is trying help out, though Arius stood in a field absorbing lightning strikes for a short time. There were some casualties, but remarkably not as many as one would expect. There were strikes in the mountain range as well and it seems to be causing some rock slides, but none should harm the village. One strike opened a crack in the tallest peak and now it’s emitting a very unnatural glow. It is so far away. I also heard the grumble of some creature from that direction. I suspect this disaster woke something up.

Coming back to the town, we gathered back at the inn to try to collect ourselves. We decided to pay a visit to the blacksmith to try to get some information about the mountain. There is probably some ancient lost site up there, and if her smithing area is connected somehow, we need to figure it out.

Her assistant was at the smith and alive, but it seemed she had gone home.

We went to her house and found her there. She indicated that she got a sense that the storm was coming and took cover. A very useful intuition. She had told us before that part of her house had some very old structure to it in the basement. Upon further investigation and some communicating with the spirits, we concluded there is some ancient forge on the mountain and that something was once in her basement a long time ago. Maybe it needs to be brought back, I am uncertain. However, the mountain is a volcano, and is going to erupt soon. We are unable to travel today. My companions are low on power.

The next day, we struggled with how to get there. It seemed horseback would be optimal, but the others insisted there was a teleportation point in the blacksmith. So we went there once again, and Vindral and I triggered the ancient runes, which took the smith and her apprentice by surprise. Attempting to read them was difficult for the others because parts of the stone had been used for construction of the inn. At the end, I spoke with the spirits once more, and they indicated that if we went there on foot, we would surely perish. The teleporter needed to be activated.

After a few attempts, Arius was able to activate it, and we were sent to the top of the mountain, where a great battle was taking place it seemed between a giant of some sort and a demonic looking red creature. At first, we were unsure who to side with, if either at all. The giant exclaimed that the red creature was unnatural and invading, so we took that as an indicator and joined in the fight. The creature attempted to flee, but we managed to knock it unconscious. The giant explained how he had been fighting this creature for over a day and it kept coming back to life. Looking down the mountain, the glowing fissure was down a short distance. It must be coming from there. Hopefully we can fix whatever is going to cause this eruption.

It's what's on the inside that counts

On the 21st day of the 5th month I met my oldest companion, in both years and the time we’ve spent together. His, well I don’t really know if it is a he, but for lack of a better word, his name is Valeforaistyn and he is a couatl that lives inside my head.

5th 19th, we were scouting per usual on this road that never ends. While out scouting we were attacked by a strange monster. It had the physical appearnace of a man, an elf really, on the top and a giant spider on the bottom. It was a powerful magic user and said that it had awakened. I’ve not yet seen destructive power that great and not since. I think it was stronger even than Arius, which is unsettling. He’s strong enough.

5th 20th, I used my power to ask for knowledge about what the creature was. Before I was finished communing I had a powerful voice in my mind “Drider” it said. When I finished I got my answer, in my voices: a drider, an abomination that is part drow part spider. That just raised more questions. What’s a drow? “A DARK elf. Some are born. Some are made.” Again, the single voice.

As it turns out, that voice belonged to Valeforaistyn, the couatl of golden fire. As I shared what I knew with the group and how I came to know it I thought it best, if possible, to break down the walls between my companion and my friends so that we could treat face to face and trust each other, or not. Unfortunately, V is about a subtle with displays as I am so we chose to wait until the next day.

5th 21st, I called to V and he erupted from me in a gout of radiant fire. Whatever is wrong with me, my face, my birthmark seems to contain or bar the gate to some vast store of power through which I can channel mere droplets. When he greeted us in his full form he told much which I can only barely recall due to the shock of the whole event.

V’s last memory was trapping evil spirits. He has been bound to me for my entire life. I don’t know exactly how but our minds at least are linked. He comes from a realm of golden fire and is very, very old. At least his kind is one of the oldest beings around, older than this realm I think. He spoke of the past of humanity and how we’d been subjugated before and that there were many greater powers at play. He spoke of the dragons as “godlings”. I’m not sure what he means. He believes that the two powers that sought my allegiance were his divine patron, a solitary voice in the dark, and that the one that is now linked to me is a multitude of voices, a divinity of many, of civilization. But he’s not ever met either, although how can you meet a god?

Our time here was short for if he were to leave me fully it would free the daelkyr that he has trapped. Evidently my death will also free it, and it actively seeks that by whispering into the dreams of Arius. Before he left he said the reason that I am not able to detect the good in people the way I can sense their corruption is that in times past there were people like me, warriors who were granted the power to find evil and destroy it. I’m saddened that I can’t find the hidden good. He said that he sensed good in each of us in turn, including Arius, but not in Jadenharr. I don’t yet know what that means.

6th 27th

We’re only a day out of Fowhlet-Town now. It’s been a long journey now. The caravan crew has now seen the most terrifying displays of powers, bizarre creatures, and wonders. Without our help I’m sure they would have perished along the way.

I’m not entirely at ease that Elia is getting a full display of our abilities, including the fact that we can call for aid on strange creatures. I’m also very concerned that after we dispatched a pack of spiders that Illasys harvested their venom. She claimed it was to make antivenom but just as an reflex I looked past her, into her heart, and there I saw it. The shadow across her soul. I don’t know if it was there the whole time and my eyes weren’t good enough to see it or if it’s new. But it’s there. How will I tell Dazen?

A week ago we fought a mated pair of wyverns. They looked like dragons to me. And they spoke the dragon tongue. Surely these were not godlings. Again, I don’t see how the caravan could make it here without us. If there are other caravans facing similar troubles they’ve surely perished.

The horses are getting combat ready. The caravan horses are…somehow superior breeding stock. I guess they can afford the best. Hale’s given us the run down of the town, Sarington, and what we can expect here. We’re to hide our powers at all costs. I’ve been given a normal hammer to maintain appearances. Let us hope I will not need to use it.

6th 28th

We arrived in town and split up from the caravan to track a source of magical energy. I can’t sense it but Vindral and Jadenharr can. We tracked it to a blacksmith. A very strong looking young lady blacksmith. I forgot how long it had been since I’d seen someone like that. So many weeks on the road with just us and monsters. She made me forget my fears, however briefly. I must be on my guard is she can make me weak so easily.

At the inn we settled in for a meal and our rooms. I’d love a bath now and fresh clothes but there’s only been time to pause and collect my thoughts here. I must stop now because there are 4 violet haired men in armor along with a lady in white and an older gentleman headed to the caravan. I think our presence is required. Will write more later.

I had a feeling I needed to go home, and I was right. The dragonmen attacked the outskirts of the town, burning down some of the deserted buildings and injuring a few of the guards. Fortunately, no one was killed or taken. I feel guilty enough given the damage to those buildings, even if they were empty, so I can’t imagine what I’d be feeling if it was any worse.

Things at my house seemed to be getting better and better. Mom and dad have some people working for them, especially now that my sister and I are away. The roof of the house has been completely redone with some kind of a leaf I’ve never seen before, and the barn is stocked to the brim with animals and exotic fruits and nuts on the other side of the world. By the time I finally left town (the second time), a staircase was halfway done, so I’m betting the next time I see the house there’ll be a second floor. I must admit a growing concern that my parents will soon become targets due to their success.
If anyone even attempts to hurt my family, I’ll kill them.

And I suspect someone is already trying to hurt Vindral’s mother. While I visited with her to make sure all was well, I noticed something was off. She was holding something back. Like always, I managed to get it out of her and I’m so glad I did. She told me her health was declining and no one in town could figure out why. Once she mentioned it, I did notice she looked tired, worn, and like she wasn’t eating. It sounded like she was dying, the same way she did before Seesha helped me wish it all away.

I expected Vindral would want to go home upon my telling him this, and that’s exactly what we did. Jaden was able to tap into the ley lines (points in the land where the power of nature comes together, I think) to reach Garadean. Apparently the guardian’s reach is far, as he can transport us across the land using trees he creates. Once all of us were in Anabel’s home, Jaden was able to use a spell called remove disease, which I might be able to cast eventually, in hopes it would help heal her.

It worked, and it was terrifying. Jaden used his magic as he normally does, channeling power through purple lines (ley lines, I’m guessing) in the ground that travel into him and touched Vindral’s mother. What happened next will stick with me forever. Some type of parasitic worms, seemingly too large to have been inside of her without her knowing, poured out of her skin onto the ground and died. I can’t remember the name of the creatures, but someone knew they weren’t of this world. They’re parasites. It’s worth noting that I asked Anabel to only eat food from my family’s farm (at no cost to her). My mother and father didn’t ask questions, and agreed. The others were able to look for some bloodstones while we were away, and Corex was cured of the magical ailment plaguing him so the caravan moved on.

Given our abilities, we’re all asked to scout ahead of the caravan and look into the depths of the woods when possible. During one such occasion, Jaden and Vindral noticed a small pool, which looked like it may have had bloodstones in it. Well they turned out to be correct, but we had to survive an attack from a dryder first. I’ve been told a dryder is half elf, half spider (the bottom half), and this dryder was able to cast spells. He was extremely dangerous and told us that he had awakened, but that was all the information we could get from him.

We continue to use our abilities as we feel we should, but the more we learn, the more answers we get, the more questions we have.

5th 17th, 3241
We heard defensive spellcasting and chanting as we walked through the maze-like caverns. Taking one turn, we found a cavern full of webs and went around it, finding ourselves in the midst of some kind of ritual. “Grandmother” was sprawled out inside some arcane circle. One troglodyte completed the ritual while another defended the area. There was also a large spider and some swarms of spiders.

We wasted no time. Jaden began calling up the lightning of storms underground. I engaged the bigger troglodyte but he was too much for me. Even with Gilroy’s help we could barely hurt it. Jaden and Arius mainly ended up fighting the druid troglodyte after he turned into an enormous spider. Thankfully Dazen was able to heal me or I would be dead right now. This has happened all too many times and I can’t keep my composure much longer.

The ritual finished during the fight. A great evil awoke inside Grandmother. It controlled her and she sprouted spider mandibles from her mouth. My fear of spiders made it very difficult to do anything while Grandmother and her spider minions were around so I ran and urged them to kill her.

They mostly spoke though, fearing the power that she wielded. She considered Arius a friend. Arius is a Quori, an apparently misunderstood race of evil creatures that did some horrible things in the past. But eventually Gilroy knew what to do. He cast protection from evil on Grandmother which forced the evil being out of her. It appeared as a dark blackness, shaped like a half-man, half-spider. Then a Coatl emerged from Gilroy’s birthmark and defeated the creature and both of them were sucked back into the birthmark. What this could mean, for both Gilroy and the creatures, is unknown to us. But the current situation was resolved. Before leaving, the Coatl said to learn about the Dhalkyr. All I know is that they may have been involved in creating underground tendril creatures for ancient wars.

We healed Grandmother. Then we spent a good amount of time cleaning up the place. Jaden wanted very badly to bring the ruin back to the way it should be. That meant no more spiderwebs, though I couldn’t bring myself to be involved with all of that.

They cut some things out of the webbing, including three odd creatures. One is a wormy tentacle creature, another a scarab, and the last a smaller worm. We first tried to kill one of them but it screamed in our minds. Dazen healed it while the rest cleaned up the area.

This was not a good day, at least for me. I ran from a corrupted tree and from an evil spirit infesting one of the locals. I can’t help but feel that I am not helpful enough. The evils at play are too strong.

5th 18th, 3241
Jaden was frustrated today trying to figure out how he can fix the area. He planted lots of acorns and cast plant growth on them. A lot of sprouts grew but it was clear it was not working the way he expected.

He then tried using bloodstone. He engraved an acorn with a symbol. I suppose this might help, but I guess we won’t know until tomorrow.

5th 19th, 3241
Today Jaden did the ritual right. The old tree was rapidly replaced by an enormous new one and it spoke with us. It’s name is Garrerean, a terran word, and the name of the fortress is Gatehouse. The tree’s father is, of course, dead, but its grandfather still lives on an island far to the northwest.

We learned there are five sects of druids that each serve different purposes. Jaden is now part of one of them, it seems, though he rarely talks about anything to do with that.

Gwen appeared shortly after Garrerean grew. She said the forest is healing, even as far back as Allieua. It was good to see her. I miss our talks of more pleasant things, of helping people. The reality of this world is that being a hero to the people means enduring great pain, suffering, the death of your family, one’s own death, curses, and more. Even my companions show little cheer of late, the gravity of our situations sinking in. I do not think they drink for cheer any more, but to blur the memories of the day.

We were reminded once again of our fate as we walked into the circle of stones. My rapier became lighter and sharper. The changes to my armor were stranger. I became able to change its appearance to whatever I wish, including making it invisible.

Dazen’s book grew star opals and his cloak turned black with spider webs. Gilroy’s shield glowed and shook a bit. His hammer glowed as well. Arius’s staff didn’t look much different but he did focus on it for a bit so probably something psionic. Jaden’s armor grew some kind of leaf-like pattern.

We found out that Garrerean is the ancient word used to teleport to this place and took a chance to check on the various teleportation circles we knew of. Thankfully, nothing was awry.

We discussed how to proceed. Jaden and Dazen went back to Allieua to check on them and tell them of our progress. I declined to go. I knew that if I did, I wouldn’t return. My old life may have been simple, but it was safe, and pleasant. Those days are over, replaced by the darkness of past and present.

Instead, I went with Grandmother, Arius and Gilroy into the mouth of the great tree and we were whisked away through the plants of the area to a large oak tree in the middle of Vawua. The tree wasn’t there before and it vanished into a pile of leaves after we exited the tree.

We checking on the sleeping man. He was wasting away but Grandmother would make him a potion to remove his curse. She went back to her house to do just that while Arius, Gilroy, and I went back to the caravan.

After talking with Yllasis, we found an empty wagon where I could try out those bugs that used to belong to the ancient evil we destroyed two days hence. They communicate telepathically to their host and that host is now me. Arius didn’t find much use from them and nobody else would wear them. I normally wouldn’t either, but this new life I lead will not be much darker for the use of some strange psionic bugs. If they ever do anything harmful to my mind, I will need to kill them. But for now, they will prove useful.

Dreams of Regret
__I had a dream recently when I was unable to sustain myself through the night. I had given in to my strongest desire, to take the easy path. I don’t know what I did, but I know that I hurt people, that I was angry, and that I enjoyed it.

There is no rest anymore. All we do is walk. We’ve traveled hundreds of miles and seen more miles than people. We’re tired, sore, and hungry. This is the land of fantasy in which we live.

I don’t know why these people are worth saving. I’ve yet to find one act of pure good. But I am obliged to serve them. I must be on guard or resentment will take control. But they make it SO easy.

Dreams of Helplessness
__There’s a man standing on a balcony. He’s watching a crowd of people as he speaks to them. He’s unable to sway them. So they burn.
__There’s a woman, she’s a friend. She’s been kidnapped. Killed most likely. The man can’t find her.
__There’s a family and a home among homes. It’s been destroyed. It was bathed in the blood of the man’s mistakes.
__There’s a land. It’s drowning in a sea of life from another world. A man broke the dam. Now he’s drowning too.

We’ve covered over 100 miles from Vawuea in search of the ruins there. The others suspect that there is a powerful being trapped or bound and that it is somehow the cause of, whether intentionally or not, the blight and the curse of this area. Whatever the curse is, it seems to be psionic in nature. Where have I heard that before? Maybe Arius is the key to undoing the curse because he’s the only one who knows how it was made.

We’ve seen more monsters than men. Lizard men and giant abominations that made the lobstrosities from home look like a dainty feast. And I had no idea that the desperate ravings of drunken seamen were actually floating balls of pure evil that feed on men. Although, I am not surprised.

The ruins we’ve found, the fortress I should say, is immense. The walls are as high as three of my own family’s house at least. Who built it and how I could not say. But whatever glory it might have held is sinking into a poison breathing mire. We’ve got it in our fool heads to enter this ruin, descend its depths, and unbind whatever curse bringer dwells down there. I pray it is a kind being like Seesha or Gwen. But the last creature that was bound in a land blighted by evil and rot was not like them, but a daemonic servant of darkness. I’ve reserved a portion of my power in readiness. For I fear that is what awaits us and just as it is my duty to serve the most thankless of people, it is also my duty to dole out retribution.

I’ve died before, twice, so they say. Although I only have memory of dying once. Since the first time I died my life has been a fevered dream of madness, monsters, and magic. And the world, it is empty and crumbling. I don’t think we can save this world because it is already dead. Because I’m not sure I did die that second time. Because I’ve been dreaming since the First Fire. I’ve been dreaming the dream of my death.

Our time in the swamp has been… interesting. I understand now more than ever, given Jaden’s ability to put magic into mundane things, the value of bloodstones. However, I don’t know if dealing with everything in this town has been worth it, but I’m probably a little biased.

As we approached the town this creepy old woman was staring us down and said that we would talk to her at some point. Weird… but also irritating because we did in fact end up wanting to speak with her. She is the “grandmother” as the town has come to call her, and she is believed to be a witch. Apparently the town doesn’t have any proof of that otherwise she’d have been burned at the stake by now, but I’m getting ahead of myself.

We heard from the bartender in the “Witch’s Brew” and some others that the lord of the town’s son and Grandmother were the only individuals who could venture into the swamp, sometimes alone and sometimes together, and return. Given that we heard people had been disappearing in the swamp and that spidermen were by the coast of one of the lakes, we chose to get some more information.

This turned into somewhat of a repeat to what we did at home, complete with me being covered in a swarm of tiny spiders. Thankfully, my fey skin protects me from their tiny teeth despite how terrifying the entire experience is. True to the past, we visited some kind of historical monument and learned more about “the orbs” and a ritual mentioning the word “dragon” that Vindrel can do. It’s all getting crazier and crazier… but I like it. Gone are the days of the mundane. I celebrate the notion that I will never milk another cow again! Although, if the fey keep bringing more and more cows back to my family’s home, I may need to hire someone to help out or something…

The strange thing about celebrating this world of fantasy I’m living is that it almost immediately bit me in the ass. Upon returning from dispatching the spidermen, apparently called Eddercaps (thank you insane, socially awkward Arius) we needed to do more research because the lord’s son had fallen into a coma. Many believed him to be cursed already, and I can’t say I disagree considering the circumstances of our barfight at the Witch’s Brew. (It’s not worth getting into, but let’s just say the world is clumsy around him). We went to his house to investigate and while I was there I cast Detect Magic, but no dice.

Oh! I forgot to mention. Jaden summoned this mud elemental with a summoning spell, but the spell hasn’t ended yet, or it did end and it won’t return. Not sure exactly, but we had to stash it outside the town.

So after an investigation that turned up nothing, we went to the Witch’s Brew to get some food and regroup. Shortly after I started my mead (good mead, by the way) the Lord of Ignorance and his guard showed up to accuse me of witchcraft and arrest me. Now here’s the thing… technically he wasn’t wrong. I never denied it, but I never said “yes, you got me”. I simply stood up, offered them my hands and allowed myself to be gagged. Only then did the lord mention that I would be burned at the stake in a half hour.

Wait…. what…?

The fey must have known or suspected something like this would happen to me because our fey friend Imdal gave me a cloak that turns me invisible when I’m burned by fire and leaves behind a pile of ash and bones (illusion). That sneaky bugger. I appreciate it, but maybe a “You’re going to be burned at the sake. Here, this will help,” would have been more appropriate it.

So to make a very long story that’s already too long (damn my verbose silver tongue) somewhat shorter, my friends make plans to rescue me while the head of the Terrings starts arguing with the Lord of Ignorance and then things really heated up. I mean that literally because the wood surrounding me was on fire, but also because several people drew their weapons, including Gilroy, which was probably a bad choice considering it leaves a trail of fire behind when he moves it. Again, I digress.

I could have used my Starfire to escape or attack, but I didn’t. Against my better judgement, I waited to see how it would play out. My patience paid off because Jaden, who can turn into animals now (completely normal), turned into a bat and freed my hands from the bindings. I removed the gag from my mouth and spoke to the crowd. It seemed to work on everyone but my friends, but I think it’s harder to think clearly when you possess the power we do. It’s also hard to think clearly when you don’t pay attention to conversations (Vindrel), may have been a merciless ruler that killed for fun (Arius), have a really strange relationship with your crazy family (Gilroy) or make friends with birds instead of people (Jaden). But you know what, they fought for me and were not going to let me get hurt, even if it meant risking their own lives and revealing themselves. That’s not what friends do.

5th 2nd
The trials of the fey forest are complete. After we made our way to the caravan, things finally cooled down for a bit. Though we learned some disconcerting things about our friend Arius, we are still stalwart in our resolve to fix some of the ills this world suffers from.

Jaden has gained a skill for putting magic into ordinary things. He spent some of our traveling time crafting me a necklace entirely out of animal parts. When he was finished, he used a gem and some of his magic power to put protective magic into it. As long as I’m wearing it, my skin is more like the hide of a beast.

It was about 12 days before we arrived at Vawuea. It’s a small village in a swampy area between Allieua and Saring. The people there are superstitious and we will have to be careful how some of our group acts. As usual, my sword doesn’t do much to betray its power, but the rest of the group is quite conspicuous.

Vawuea was founded and is run by a single family, the Vorks. The current head of that family essentially owns the whole town. They harvest gems from the surrounding swamp, which can sometimes be dangerous, and the trade here depends heavily on the Terring family. There are stirges and giant frogs in the area

We had to bargain our way into staying in the town itself rather than finding dry land within the swamp. Unfortunately, before we slept we ended up in a bar fight with the lord’s son. I do hope that will not come back to bite us.

5th 3rd
I dreamt last night that my mom got sick. The dream then continued with me waking up and going home where I found her dead. But then I really woke up. We later found out this place gives you nightmares.

The strange lady that was at the entrance of the town and said she was expecting us is named Acela. We went to see her first thing before going to check on the route out of town, which was reportedly blocked. Acela’s hut was in a very swampy area that was hard to get to. But we made it there fine and got our fortunes read. In my fortune, I saw myself fighting a massive beast shooting lightning at me and smacking me down a hillside. While the blow hurt a lot, I get up using the sword and fly at the beast.

We also found out Arius’s staff is called the People’s Overlord. Sometimes it seems ignorance is better, but we will have to use this knowledge to guide our future decisions rather than be discouraged by it.

Acela said we would travel east, but most of us were uncomfortable with the notion that the words of a witch would guide our decisions. So we continued north to check on the bridge. While journeying, we killed some giant frogs, one of which had eaten a hawk. We rescue it and what followed was quite odd. Jaden himself turned into a hawk.

Gifts and a Warning

Gwen used her powers to transport us back through the forest to the lake of the fey. I was not aware I was traveling quickly at first but we crossed a great distance. When we returned to the lake we met some other fey including the Dryad. It seems whatever path we are on we are destined to be given Divine protection along the way either directly or through its agents. Gwen took the stars and wove their light into a shirt of shining metal. It was a stunning gift. The Dryad gave Jaden a bronzed headband. It seemed to be part of the sacred power of the forest. Imdall retrieved a prized heirloom, a cloak of flames for Dazen. I was granted power directly from the Divine. A bolt of divine light shot through my body and into my hammer transforming it into an extension of my power. Gone were the trappings of Terring heirloom. This was a divine vessel now.

Arius received no gift.

I think I know why.

I think it is because he is feared. Or once was. Because instead of a gift there came a warning. Many voices, all shouting, all trying to tell me.

Star Child
Unnatural Creation
Design of the darkness
Psionic Curse upon this world!
The evil reborn
Prison or spy!

I do not know what this means but it’s clear that the powers that guide us are wary of him. And so too must I be.

I can see clearly now

I’m surrounded by it. It’s touching me. All over. It sickens me. I swallow my sick. The taint of this place…

We finally found the haunted thing, the cursed beast that was killing the forest. It was some kind of monster out of a nightmare. The kind I only see hints of when I look to the dark places and the shadows of the human soul. But this was no hint, not shadow. It was there in the flesh. It was not alone either. It had other horrors with him, gruesome caricature of a bear and floating head abominations. We fought them. My friends, I should not doubt them, we were all overflowing with righteous energy and dealt many grievous wounds blows. I am thankful for their dedication. We were victorious. The energy fades.

There was a cave where it probably made its lair. Inside we found the object of our search. Someone said that they were “soul gems”. Inside there were fey creatures. Vin searched frantically for Gwen. Meanwhile we burst the gems asunder. Thank the Divine the creatures inside were safe, including Gwen.

Gwen had a lot to say. The information was extremely valuable. She said that she is one of the First People, beings from another world and seemingly without death. She is not, in fact, fey, but like fey. I don’t really know what that means but I gather that there are other types of First People that resemble other types of creatures. Gwen also revealed more about the plight of these worlds. The planes are locked, the worlds are colliding, and creatures from other worlds are appearing in this one and unable to return. I don’t really understand what all this means with worlds collapsing. What I do know is that if there are nightmare creatures spilling into this world then they must be found and returned whence they came.

I believe that this is my mission, this is my purpose in this. I was given the ability to detect these creatures, at least the ones most foul. I was also given the ability to destroy them. This must be my focus.

I think our recent successes may have gotten to our heads and we are slightly more confident that we should be. Those creatures, which we have identified as Daemons, are stronger than each of us individually. Two of them escaped and we surveyed the area. I found that they had been congregated around an area which pointed to a central place of power, but this place had no magic left in it. It is noteworthy, but not likely relevant to our current task.

We made camp and recovered with the help of Dazen’s abilities. The next morning the remaining two made a relatively easy to follow acid trail. Tracking them, we were lead to a pile of corpses, a ghastly sight, but the trail went cold there. We concluded that they probably went up river somehow. Dazen called on Seasha and swept us upstream with her power. After a few minutes, she dumped us on shore and left us to our devices.

After continuing upriver, we eventually heard the ominous crying that indicated their presence. Travelling into the woods, it got louder, so we knew we were close. The two vanished and ambushed us again, but our preparation and numbers overcame them. Then… it appeared.

This horrid creature, who could only be imagined in the worst of nightmares came before us with a barrage of fire. After being struck a couple times, I managed to reveal it with faerie fire and bind it in the trees it was polluting. It vanished again, presumably moving to another place. It still echoes in the woods.

4th 16th, 3241 (cont.)
And that was a mistake. We headed to the lake. As we approached the edge, we found the gathering of fey. There were many of various shapes and sizes. Some were playing music, others dancing around the fires, others eating and drinking. It was a grand celebration, ignoring the plight facing all of them.

They used their fey magic on us as soon as we came near, forcing some of us to dance or become gluttons. I didn’t catch much in this time, only that there was a dryad called “The Oaken Lady” that was supposed to come and she’s the only one who could really speak to us. The entire ordeal was incredibly frustrating, and it is the last time I will put my trust in any fey.

Shortly after the dryad showed up, she was attacked from the surrounding wilderness by dark fey. A large thorn pierced her chest and became a creature that burrowed inside her. A very dark goat fey appeared to be the leader, accompanied by some goat women and many dark sprites. I waved my sword in a ridiculous manner trying to hit a sprite when the leader used magic to force me to go home. I don’t know what happened after I left.

I was attacked by something in the darkness while I ran away and awoke to Gilroy holding me down. Then I fell asleep again.

4th 16th, 3241
We didn’t waste any time this morning and went back to the site of the attack. From there, we followed the trail of corruption left by the dark fey. After a few hours, we found a clearing. The trees look like they were destroyed. The dark goat man was sleeping between some large rocks.

Gilroy and I snuck around from either side to attack him. I signaled for the attack and Arius shot lightning which only seemed to wake up the beast up. And as soon as he awoke, he used his dark magic to make me run away again. Before I ran, I was able to land a parting blow, but my sword had no effect on him. Jaden used his magic to have the thorny plants entangle us, but I was able to evade the plants and run away. Once again, I don’t know what happened while I was gone, but my friends defeated it and I was finally able to free my mind of its influence.

4th 14th, 3241 (cont.)
Not long into our journey, Jadenhar said he felt there was a ruin nearby. We decided to go out of the way to get to it as it wouldn’t be that far and we could still catch the caravan.

The path to the ruins brought us off the road and into the woods towards a lake. As we approached it, we could hear gasping which turned out to be from a fey creature named Imdal. He was being attacked by living vines. We took care of the vines but Imdal didn’t trust us too much. He said the forest is angry and that a ghost is plaguing it. Imdal himself is a fawn, one of many of the mysterious fey creatures in this land.

The ruins offered new magic to me and I accepted the gift of being able to cover my group’s tracks as we travel.

While Imdal played his pipes, Jadenhar found some ancient dead with some money. This can only help us on our journey. I presume Jadenhar said some prayers for these people, or at least this place. It is sacred to him in some way. The writing on the walls is odd. I think I could decipher some of it, but the symbols just don’t make a lot of sense when combined like a normal language. It’s as if the same symbol means something different depending on what it’s paired with, but I don’t see the pattern.

Now we rest here in this area before moving on.

4th 15th, 3241
I dreamed this morning about Gwen. She was in a dark wooded area lying down exhausted. She then faded into nothingness. The others didn’t seem to think much of it. Jadenhar in particular seemed only interested in meeting the caravan. Also, Imdal was gone, sneaking away in the night.

We went back to check on Gwen and found signs of a struggle, but nobody was there. On the way back to the ruin, we came across Scark. He admitted to having run-ins with the fey and didn’t seem like he minded it.

After talking to him, we found Imdal’s trail and followed it. It led into the deep woods. We were getting tired and some creature started causing mischief with us. It was some kind of small colorful dragon. Then, suddenly, the trail stopped. We decided to make camp, since we were too tired to seek shelter and wouldn’t be much good if it came to a fight here.

4th 16th, 3241
Gilroy woke me up on his watch. There were tiny people all over, little fey. They spoke in Old Pryma, just like Imdal. They wanted to take us to a gathering that happens only once a month. They seemed insistent, and also claimed they don’t cause people to never return to their villages, though I suspect that’s a lie. We committed to trying to help the fey rid their forest of the ghost menacing it, but it’s no wonder they can’t help themselves; they’re only concerned with mischief. But, we decided to go to their gathering anyway.

Crisis of Confidence

The Speaker has been returned to Allieua. Mission Accomplished. But why do I feel so terrible about it? No one died that day on our side or theirs. We even made them an offering of a magic item to sate their lust for the arcane. But to do so we made a deal, a deal we abandoned. Arius wished nothing to do with them, good or ill. Something inside of him just tripped, like closing a shutter. Once it happened his view was completely different. The rest, well, an assault would likely have proven fatal for at least one of us, on their ground. We considered single combat. I even volunteered. Yet, in doing so, I fear that I knew I would perish and so didn’t press for this when I could and should have. That was the right thing to do.

It seems there are ramifications both subtle and powerful for backing down. After we returned home dead man washed up on the coast. I was alone so I signalled for aid. I was lucky it arrived because surely some divine power was interceding, deflecting my blows. I’m being punished for my cowardice against the kobold leader. Luckily help arrived and destroyed the things for I certainly would have died.

I pray that our recommendations for fortifying the town, increasing the watch, and better arming the guard will protect them for I certainly have not. The Leader may have sanctioned our actions but wasn’t I told to trust no one? Not even my friends?

Worse is coming. This curse is only the beginning. I must find a way to make amends and never again put my life over others.

4th 13th, 3241 (cont.)
After dinner, which wasn’t completely disgusting as you might expect, Dazen negotiated with the “kobolds”, as they are apparently called. We agreed to some manner of bargain. We would get the Speaker now but we would do our best to learn how to use magic to make Kabulak a dragon, or at least provide him some kind of magic offering. Dazen also had to leave his bracers with them.

I’m glad we didn’t have to fight them all, but I do worry for the town now. We have no intention of returning. So, if Kabulak keeps his side of the bargain, he will wait a week and then head for town with violent intentions.

Right now, we are making camp on the wrong peninsula as we went the wrong direction. Tomorrow, we will have to find our way back to town, unless of course we decide to go back to the kobolds and take care of them.

4th 14th, 3241
We made our way back to town today. It took far less time when we knew [mostly] where we were going.

The leaders heeded our warnings. We had some suggestions on how they could deal with the kobolds, but ultimately it will come to a battle and I fear they may be casualties because of our deal. I can only hope that without our actions, even more would have perished, so that we did some good before leaving with the caravans.

Not long after we arrived, Gilroy was attacked on the coast. Everybody could see his beam of light when it started, so we rushed from different places around town to go help. Many dead bodies had come alive and as they floated to the coast, they attacked. We fought them all off and hopefully that will be the last plague that this town faces for a while.

We now ride out with horses provided by the town. Mine is named Seeker and he listens to me well enough. I need more practice before I could call myself a decent rider though.

We seek the caravans, and then on to Saring. If these trials that Allieua faced are any indication of how this world works, I suspect we will not be mere tagalongs on this trip.

It’s been an exceptionally long two days. I’m collecting my thoughts now at the home of one of the dragonmen tribes. We’ve come all this way to get the Speaker back. Thankfully he’s still alive.

I don’t know what to do here. I can’t talk to these things any more than I could to that strange man, Krythis. I’ve been practicing Pryma with Vindral but the speed of the conversation is just to fast to be able to join them. It’s so aggravating! I get so angry being on the sidelines, KNOWING that man’s mind is bent towards foul things. What’s worse is he has the power to achieve them. I nearly leapt from my skin to strangle him! How am I to balance that letting someone live enables them to do wrong in the future when I had the opportunity to stop them now?

I fear the same with these creatures. I know in my heart that their leader is malicious but I know equally well that they have young and, to the extent they can, regular folk too. Our world is as dangerous to them as it is to us. Why should our right to thrive trump theirs? And yet, why shouldn’t both our peoples be able to live in peace, or at least not in active conflict? I can’t even tell them any of that though because we don’t share a common tongue!! I must control the frustrations that drive me to rage. If a nonviolent solution can be met and I fouled it up by acting out of anger then the blood of everyone that dies will be on my hands. I must have faith in Dazen and the others that they will try their best and do what is right.

And yet, what the dragonmen did was unmistakably wrong. Forgiveness is given to those who show contrition. Without it they risk being left with the last thing I can offer them: a final retribution.

4th 12th, 3241, cont.
It seemed we went back in time. We retraced our steps going up through the tower. I took the sight power from the building and used it to find Krythis on the roof again. We then spoke with him again, but he remembered nothing. It was a very frustrating experience, but we seemed to convince him not to mess around with the tower. At least, not tonight.

But when we returned to the machine room, two elementals came in. They were made of clouds and sparks and attacked us without hesitation. It proved difficult for all of us to hit them, but in the end we prevailed. My friends used some powers I hadn’t seen before. Jaden make a staff heavy, but swift, and lethal. Gilroy healed others with a touch. And Dazen let out a scream so loud it almost felt painful.

Afterward, Krythis was gone from the roof and everything was quiet. At the bottom floor, Arius touched his staff to the floor and said, “Allieua,” and we ended up back at the ruins. Based on what Krythis said about this being an observatory. I touched the circle and said, “Oei”, and we were back in the tower.

While the circles are faster transportation than a boat, we did have to return Dazen’s family’s boat so we walked back to it. On the way, some marsh snakes came after us, but we Jaden entangled them and we moved on.

When Dazen went underwater at the shore to call Seesha, he ended up with blood on his face. He said there were dead in the water. I didn’t and still don’t understand what happened then. But we got on the boat and Seesha helped us move quickly to the town.

On the way, we noticed two interesting things. The five of us could see the tower where before it was obscured. And the town had smoke rising from it.

We went to the source of the fire as quick as we could and found that the church had been victim of a dragonmen attack. Besides lighting things on fire, they looted the place and kidnapped the Speaker. It seemed his abduction in days past was not by chance.

We tracked the dragonmen and found them on the northern end of town in the forest. The battle was easier than past skirmishes with them and we chose to leave one alive. Dazen charmed the thing and convinced it to take us to its leader, Kabulak.

After walking for a short time, we found ourselves tired so we made camp. I took first watch and found I couldn’t ignore whatever it was that was watching us from the darkness. I awoke Jaden and he said it was the spirits of the woods.

4th 13th, 3241
We traveled north in search of the dragonmen camp. It took all day but we did find it. They took us in, as prisoners, and we found ourselves surrounded by dozens of them. Kabulak was a large red one, about the size of one of us.

We convinced him to let us see the Speaker, but the things he said were disturbing. He said they need the Speaker’s magic to help them make a dragon, then maybe he will die.

We bargained with them quite a bit and found ourselves invited for dinner.

4th 12th

So that’s what death, and subsequently resurrection feels like.

These past 24 hours have been most unsettling. After the walls began to bleed, the skeletal corpse rose up and began to combat us. The entirety of the room felt like it was against us. While the skeleton acted us physically, the room itself seemed to attack our souls. A successful assault on us was represented by stains on the wall. We were all able to overcome and seemingly bring the haunting to an end. That underground room seemed to lose its stability after the ghosts were purged and caved in. We managed to retrieve some interesting items and documents before this happened though. During the fight, I remembered what my ancestors instructed me to do and brought flesh back to the skeleton. I was hoping this would weaken it, but it did not. However, it did reveal an elf that was strikingly similar to me. Peculiar.

We brought the body to the ruins and I spent the night there with Arius. The next day, I brought him to our part of the village and directly to the chief. He seemed very unsettled and immediately sent for my mother. She revealed to me that this was my grandfather and that she once lived in that house long ago. Apparently that side of the family seems to be as upstanding as the Terrings. We resolved to burn this corpse and be done with it.

I couldn’t deal with that at the time. Our group had to meet with the leader and reveal our findings. We informed him that the building was ready for demolition and recovery of materials. However, we also discussed our findings of someone observing the island. So, in contrast to our original plans of going with the caravan, we decided to go where no one had come back from to our knowledge.

The boat ride was surprisingly uneventful. We arrived on the shore just outside of a small inlet that seemed a bit dangerous to go into. I insisted we go north and find a path inland. My friends thought we should go into the bay area. We found several corpses of villagers and then were subsequently attacked by giant flys and maggots. I did not imagine creatures like this could exist. They were vicious. I knew we should not have come in here. It is the most likely place for someone to get attacked. After the battle, we found a path just north as I had originally suggested and began trudging through the forest. What we found next we never could have forseen.

An ancient ruin with a massive tower stood before us. If our spy was looking for something, he was probably looking for this. We approached and entered. Aside from the footprints we were following, there were no signs of anything dangerous. On the first floor of the inside, humanoid bones scattered the floor. After traversing the incredibly slippery steps, the second floor revealed a wondrous chamber filled with crystal rods. This area infused me with power similar to the ruins. It replaced the ability I was granted there. We decided to explorer the roof before investigating this area further.

On the roof we did in fact find someone. He made Gilroy very uncomfortable but he was just looking at the sky and taking notes. He said he was attempting to find a pattern in the stars, which to our knowledge, there was none. He revealed to us that the chamber below is an observatory that is capable of observing far away places, but it was broken. However, he seemed to think he fixed it, so we allowed him to continue his experiment. We had no proof that he had done anything wrong, but he had apparently tried to use the broken apparatus the same night that the stars fell. He began to pull the rods in some calculated order, but when he was done, something went horribly wrong. A hellish being appeared before us. Monstrous, wielding several weapons. In an instant, the man disappeared and the creature struck us down with ease. I fell in a single blow and fell down to the floor below.

But now I am standing, and so is everyone else. What happened? Are we even alive?

4th 11th, 3241, cont.
The bloody walls gained blood symbols throughout the fight. Each time one appeared near me, it felt like my soul was being sucked away. While others fought the skeleton, I spent most of the fight burning away the symbols. At one point, my sword even lashed out in a blast of white fire that burned away several at once. The symbols were the same as the ones on the brands from the first floor.

Jaden used his magic to restore the flesh of the skeleton, revealing that it looked a lot like him. We still don’t know what that means. Apparently, the ancestors told Jaden he should prepare the spell that did

After the fight, I found some keys on the body, one of which opened the chest. Within was more magical items, as well as money. It contained three love potions (apparently, such a thing exists), a mummified elven hand that has some magic properties, and a small pouch of sparkling gray powder. It can hide your passage if you toss it into the air. There were also many coins and a cloak that lets you blend in with your surroundings.

The room collapsed over the next few minutes. We were able to rescue many books and notes, but not all of them. As we investigated the rest of the house, it seemed the evil spirits were all gone. As we took our things to the ruins, we found tracks that led to the sea. Somebody was likely watching us, perhaps the person staying in the manor.

4th 12th, 3241
We found out the body from the manor was Jaden’s grandfather. That side of his family dealt in strange, powerful magics, and we had to deal with its last remnant. But, there are more mysteries to his family and we need to be cautious about what we say and do.

The Leader talked to us about the notes we found. He knows Saring so he was able to translate. He said they mention fire rituals kept the water spirit bound. There was also some talk about Lehamo. He wanted us to check it out because this person spying on us and investigating Lehamo could be dangerous.

We took Dazen’s family’s boat to the island, mainly following the currents. There weren’t any tracks in the immediate area where we beached so we sought them out. Instead, we found some bodies that must have washed ashore during the recent disasters. It was terrible to see them but even worse to find they were infested by giant maggots. And giant flies were nearby. All attacked us. We were able to fend them off and burn the bodies.

We soon found a marshy trail and followed it inland. The sky was getting dark so Gilroy activated his halo for light. The birds were watching us. We pressed on as the trees started to thin and we found a tower. Oddly, the tower was definitely tall enough that it should be visible from Allieua but we’ve never seen it.

As we entered the tower, the same blue light lines appeared that we saw in the northern ruins. I felt the same pull of power as well. The ground floor had nothing but bones with signs of battle and stairs going up. Following them, we found a higher floor with floating platforms, levels, panels, and all manner of strange things. I could feel two powers to choose from, just like the northern ruins, except the choices were different.

There was a doorway leading outside. Once there, we found stairs leading around the tower to the top. Jaden didn’t want to use his new power to see what was on the roof, so I accepted the same power and saw for myself. There was a person with long black hair and robes of several colors on the roof with a book, looking at the sky.

We approached him cautiously. He was human, his name Krythis. He said he is looking for a pattern in the stars, which Dazen said doesn’t exist. He said this place is an observatory and that it is broken, but he is trying to repair it or do something with it. He even used it during the disasters though he insisted those events were unrelated. Gilroy was very uncomfortable about this man the entire time he was there.

Krythis showed us a sunstone and claimed it was the missing piece that would make the observatory work again. He said it’s the “keystone.” He then went down the stairs to the room with the controls.

While there, he pulled many levers. As he did so, we could see through the walls. The view then got blurry, misty, then golden misty. As the golden mist thinned, a giant creature appeared amidst the whirring machine parts above us. He said he had to kill us all for trying to cause a separation, whatever that means. He surrounded Krythis with metal rings, but Krythis then disappeared. The rest of us had barely seconds before we were all killed.

Yes, killed.

We then all woke up on the ground floor. I remembered a light and a warmth, and heard chanting voices similar to the ones from the northern ruins.

Magic is real...and so are ghost stories...

Some things have improved since I made that wish days ago. The council, and people in town in general, know we have magic and value us to protect it. That does not mean, however, they are not still somewhat frightened or skeptical, but it’s better than the alternative.

Most recently, the Leader asked our group, the 5, if we could investigate and make ready the “haunted” mansion up past the Terring mansion. We agreed to do it. 1) It’s’ the right thing to do. The lumber can be used to help reconstruct broken homes and other buildings. 2) The caravaners and traders will be coming through soon, so they’ll need places to stay. I doubt they’d want to stay in a broken Jewel. 3) It helps us look reputable. 4) We might get to use more of our powers.

We started our journey during the daytime, and given that it’s not far we arrived unscathed and rather quickly. (As an aside, I’d like to note that I’d have to ride a horse to keep up with the other 4 of my friends. I used to think maybe I just moved a little slower than they, but I move the same speed as everyone else in town. Maybe I’m not really the fifth member, but if I’m not, who am I?)

We started with the small servant house in the front of the estate. Upon careful investigation, Vindral and Jaden found that the wood used to construct the structures is the same wood used at the first fire. However, while investigating the “small” building, weird things started happening. Voices, whispers, magic emanating from inanimate objects, and then Jaden losing control of himself and starting to dance. He was panicked while dancing, not in control of himself. It was terrifying. Apparently one particular voice sounded like my friend from the Jewel, singing her heart out in a familiar tune. Shortly after, Arius regularly stated his complete lack of desire for being in that building, so we put it on the back-burner and headed into the mansion itself.

Big place. Nice place. Crazy place. I’m not going to get into all the details, because THAT much weird stuff happened, but the house started attacking us. Cabinets, drawers, chairs, fire pokers (with the Terring brand, mind you), and a range of other really strange things. More voices and whispers would sound once we started interacting with the area. The solution turned out to be healing magic. The house isn’t haunted, it’s hurt. Well, it’s probably haunted because it’s hurt.

That proved true with each doorway we passed through, as I would often hear, “Dazen, can you heal the door?” Now I haven’t been doing this for very long, but I don’t remember reading anything about healing magic working on objects. There’s other magic for that. So that means, something about this house is alive… and that’s scary.

After taking care of most of the house, including me shooting starfire at some chairs (I told you – weird), we headed back to see the Keeper in hopes she might be able to purify the area. According to her that ability is out of her reach.

One thing I know for certain. The Terrings know things. I’m good at getting people to do things I want them to do, but I do it with charm. You don’t get to control the financial interests and profits of an entire town without some secrets and manipulation.

4th 8th, 3241, excerpted
The pouch that Gwen left me is filled with bluebells. They are magical and somehow related to healing. Not all of the blossoms have these properties. These may come in handy.
…
I finished the chakrams that Gilroy commissioned and our training is going well.

4th 9th, 3241, excerpted
We were able to sell the things we acquired during the disasters. It seems much of the money in the town is currently tied up so we were paid partially in credit.

4th 11th, 3241
The Leader called us together again. He wanted us to investigate the Khierast Manor. Much of the town needs wood and the manor’s boards may be salvageable. I hadn’t seen it myself, but some say it burned down or was haunted.

The Khierasts were a mostly elven family, focused on entertainment. They trained people for caravans, were very talented with animals, and were a well respected family until they left the town a little over 100 years ago. Little is known about what happened.

We agreed to help, of course. Khierast Manor is located on the north end of town, not far from the Terring Manor. It’s hard to believe people would let a place like that sit there for so long, but the Terrings probably didn’t want anybody to go there.

The Manor has a smaller building nearby. As we approached, we could see that both buildings were losing the battle against nature but were still in fairly good shape. This is likely because they were constructed in part with the strong wood of the First Fire trees.

As we approached the smaller building, it was immediately obvious that something was wrong. The place was ominous and disconcerting. I drew Daemon’s Death and approached. The craftsmanship of the wood was high. The entrance depicted dancing elves.

Within was a single chamber split in half. The front area was like a lobby of some kind, while the back contained a stage. At first it seemed like there was nothing there, but then the music started. It sounded like elves practicing a song and reminded me of sad memories, but it made Jaden actually start dancing. Once Jaden stopped, he said the music sounded like Rilla and Dazen said he heard her sing that song before. I don’t know what this means yet, but it seems like we should talk to her.

The main building couldn’t have been more haunted. Even the doorways were possessed of some malevolence. Gilroy could see it somehow. I am still coping with the fact that I can make my hands webbed, but my friends are otherworldly. I would say that itself is scary, but in practice it’s always good. I do not share my neighbors’ prejudices.

The manor was laid out in a fairly typical fashion. There was a dining hall, a topiary room, a study, a kitchen, etc. Many of the rooms were haunted. I didn’t care for it, but we pressed on. Chairs attacked us, doors closed behind us, and strange noises echoed out.

Two events were particularly worrisome. The pokers that came out of the fire to attack us were really brands and they bore the Terring symbol. And on the second floor, we found a Feybelanje, a spirit that was burned alive. It was an elven fetus. These two facts point to a potentially evil intent from the Terrings. The brands suggest a long term influence over the Khierasts, but the dead spirit and indeed the entire haunted house suggest something malicious happened here. And while I bare no previous ill views on the Terrings, this evidence does not show them in a favorable light.

There were some signs that creatures were living in here is well. We found starving dragonmen and vanquished them to keep ourselves and the town safe. We also found evidence somebody slept here in a more civilized manner: a bedroll, several flasks, and a bird from a foreign land. I’m not sure what it all means yet because the paper’s found there are written in Saring. We’ll have to get them translated. Whoever this was also marked locations on his map of the best views of Lehamo.

Ultimately, we cleared out the entire above ground level and had yet to find a hidden passage to the basement so we removed the things we found (some, oddly, being magical) and sought out the Keeper. She claimed she had no magic powerful enough to bring an entire house to rest.

Upon our return, we found the hidden chambers. The basement was haunted as well. And the one true room at the end of the chamber was one of the most disturbing in the house. A skeleton was inside. We were only in for a moment when the walls started seeping blood.

Don't shoot the messenger.

4th 3rd, 3241

The following is, to the best of my recollection, what transpired in my head in the Speaker’s Vault.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Hello. I can hear you.”

Um…hello?

“How can I help you?”

I’m Gilroy. Did you give me this power? What is it for?! Why me?

“No. I am a servant. I wish to help you. You must uncover the truth.”

Tell m- please, tell me your name. How do I find the truth?

“I am your Messenger. You must take action in the name of the Gods. You have been chosen. Corruption is rife around you. Your power is light beyond what others have been gifted.”

How do I uncover the truth, find the corruption?

“Fight those who lie, the wicked, the evil. You must seek the truth through investigation of this existence. Trust only your work, not the lies, confusion, perceptions of others, including your family, friends, or leaders.”

If I am to trust no one, when why should I trust you?

“Trust in what you discover. Know that I am a Messenger. I speak only to guide.”

Can you teach me to control the lights? How to turn them off?….And how will I call you if I need help?

“Pray. Feel for the light. Want to help. There is darkness around you. Seek out evil. Want to find it.”

4th 3rd, 3241 (cont)
We talked to the Speaker for a while. He didn’t seem all that happy. He convinced us to talk about the time travel and in turn he admitted to knowing magic. At one point the Keeper showed up to talk to Dazen and Gilroy. But once she left, the Speaker took us down to an ancient, hidden chamber.

In that place, that the Speaker called the Vault, we found many strange books. They described many things about this area. The entire town and the northern ruins are all part of what used to be a huge fortress. The fortress itself was build around an even older shrine, which is where the ruins stand. There were also descriptions of bindings and what likely trapped Seesha.

Dazen and the Speaker traded each others’ spellbooks to learn from each other while Arius and I read a journal in aquan, among other books. Jaden had his own interests while Gilroy simply sit in a corner for a long while.

After a time, we realized that the pages of the aquan journal could be removed to form a map of the area. This is when we learned much about how things must have looked. Suddenly, while we were all gathered around the table, Gilroy said he spotted something by one of the shelves.

It turned out to be a floating head. It was completely immune to my attacks but Dazen and Gilroy were able to harm it and destroy it. They are called doru divs and can be servants or messengers for powerful people. It seemed to be spying us but we don’t know why. It’s possible our gifts attracted it. They attract attention and some of that attention may not be positive.

We all survived the fight though, and after copying down the map and sketching the creature, we had about as much study as we could for one day so we left to have dinner at the Jewel.

4th 6th, 3241, excerpted
Aquan is still causing trouble for me, but I’m learning it. Arius and I have been able to learn more about the ancient fortress.

The marks on the now destroyed dais represent water in general, binding waves, a whirlpool trap, and a prison of the bottomless depth. The markings were similar to those seen at the shrine, but it’s clear that this dais in particular was intended to imprison Seesha.

One of the journals written in Old Pryma talks about a “difficult water spirit”, which again must be Seesha. The dais is referred to as the “foundation stone” and complex rituals were required to bind her there. The essence of water was used to trick Seesha into the trap. This type of ritual has been done numerous times so there may still be others trapped elsewhere in the world, the purpose of the imprisonment long forgotten. I can understand why the people of my community are opposed to magic such as this.

4th 7th, 3241, excerpted
My studies with Arius continue. I’ve cataloged several of the psionic powers he has mentioned. Some may smell of flowers, cause strange noises, while some have obviously visible effects. There are some psionic evokers capable of calling out strange beasts from other planes. And there are creatures whose essence is mind magic. It is a lot to grasp, especially in this world where it seems none of this has any presence. But I still think it’s worth putting to paper. Arius is the only remaining piece of his strange culture.

I’ve also been meeting regularly with Gilroy. We are training in combat as it seems now more than ever that we need to be ready for such events. Mom as usual doesn’t like the idea, but I think she now sees how much we were able to help everything.

Gilroy also commissioned some weapons from me. It will be good to do some more work in the forge. And we are working on his Pryma as well since he doesn’t have as much experience with it as the rest of our little group.
…
We were able to sell the night shards. Any larger gems will need to be sold in a city or at least to a wealthy caravaner. This money will help us be prepared for travel should it come to that.

4th 8th, 3241, excerpted
The town is healing nicely. We mourn for those who are lost, but a select few of us know how bad things could have been. Than and others are doing their best to supply lumber to the town but it is slow going. Many repairs still need to be made.

I also haven’t seen Gwen left. I left her a note, and she left me another pouch like in that other time.

4th 2nd, 3241 (cont)
We ran towards the hovels to find more reefclaws. Some were already being fought by others, like Than. These stragglers weren’t much of an issue, but we heard more screaming coming from the Triangle.

Once there, we found two guardsmen trying to hold back several more reefclaws. None were as big as the biggest one back at the beach, but they were still deadly. I charged in and within seconds was nearly killed as one grabbed me hard with its claw. But that just put me closer to it so I gutted it with one strike.

I wasn’t much help until Dazen was able to heal me. Jadenhar once again used magic to make the plants attack the reefclaws. Gilroy put some kind of spell on the guard and a huge beam of light appeared again. The Sheriff and other guards showed up to help.

As we fought, blue lines of light appeared beneath us. They reminded me of the ruins. More leaders showed up around this time as well and all took part in the fight. Things went quickly with fire magic, plant magic, and Dazen’s star magic.

The battle was won and not long after the festivities began. Reefclaw was added to the menu. It was good to get our minds off of recent events and see people smiling.

I’m at Dazen’s as I write this. Not that I don’t appreciate the hospitality, but I hope we can finish repairs on the house soon.

4th 3rd, 3241
Today began with a lot of people rebuilding. I did some training with Master to improve my skills with the blade. My parrying is getting better, but I need to be faster in case we end up fighting dragonmen or reefclaws again.

The five got together in the morning. Gilroy was surprisingly honest about some unusual events in his family. I don’t know what to make of it. The Terrings are good for the town, I think. But I don’t know what he went through.

On land and sea

The battles, the Council, the Shield, the lights, it all seems so trivial now. The time for hoping I could go back to a normal life after this first fire business is long past gone now. Not now, after what I’ve seen.

The town was attacked by reefclaws, apparently displaced by the tsunami, and Jaden, Dazen, Vin, and Arius used their powers and “key” items out in the open. They beat back the attack long enough for reinforcements to arrive and, with Seesha’s help, saved a good many of the hovel folk. It was after the attack that everyone was gathering in the Triangle again. That’s when it really started.

After the lights stopped I was invited to join the Terrings. I was nervous. Was I to be chastised in public? Cast out perhaps? No, Ulerth was eerily pleased with me and congratulated me. Then the whole family joined in applause. It was all too much, this praise. Then it hit me. Their faces seemed to dance in the shadows forming wicked caricatures. The smiles surrounding me looked more like the bared fangs of a hungry wolf than a proud mother. These people, most of my family, something about them seemed twisted just then, off, wrong, unnerving. I was lost among them as if I’d wandered into a putrescent swamp and just as I was about to break down it was gone and there they were, smiling at me, no eyes harboring anything but good will. I had to excuse myself to gather my bearings. For whatever reason, some of them, my parents, Bom, were like a break in the shadows from that dark canopy that nearly swallowed me up.

Back home I was congratulated again. I think my father really is proud. He had a new hammer crafted for me. It’s like a work of art. Just then I thought that maybe he and I could get back to the way it was.

Then it was off to join a privileged council of elders as apparently I was moving up in the world here. But at this council it was revealed that my family generally looked at my own lineage as a lesser one, a human offshoot. So it was surprising that I had manifested…abilities. For the Terrings have been harboring a secret, sworn to silence, an oath that I was, perhaps foolishly, all too willing to break.

4th 2nd

4th 2nd (January 5, 2013)

There is something unsettling about doing the same exact thing twice and being one of the only ones away that it is happening as such. We put the branch exactly where it belongs, in the center of the triangle. It is a familiar place for everyone. It may not look the same as previous years, but I think it will bring some comfort to the situation. From there, we carried on as we had previously. It’s late and we are exhausted. At least this time most people will be sleeping in their own homes.

As before, I woke up under a bed of grass. Everything is happening as it did before, only slightly differently. Presumably, everyone helped out where they could. My trip to the elder’s hut was pleasant. It’s comforting knowing that he’s handling this whole thing rationally. I sat with him and communicated with the ancestors, but this time something was different. They gave me more power than I had before . I hope I am able to use these tools effectively with their guidance. There is still no word as to when my formal training will begin.

I helped out where I could until I was alerted that there will be a hearing of sorts in front of the council later this evening. I went to the others to alert them. Presumably they are at Dazen’s house as I believe that is where they took Arius for the night. I ran into Vindral on the way and we made our way to the residence. That guy we found half dead with the odd birthmark was there too. They all were visited by something that made some strange concoction and Arius is convinced that this Gilroy is our fifth that the wall described. He wanted to take him to the ruins, but I insisted we wait until after the hearing.

The hearing went a lot better than I expected. A lot more people were there than expected also. I thought they would only have the four of us, but they decided to lump all the strange occurrences of the last 24 hours into one. Several people were revealed to have magical powers, The Sheriff was very displeased through the whole thing, but she needs to learn to open her mind. I did learn that every apparently could see my armor. Why no one mentioned anything is beyond my comprehension. What it came down to, is they don’t know what to tell everyone to assure them that things will be alright. I honestly don’t know what to think of that. They are our leaders for a reason. They should be able to figure this out.

After the hearing, we snuck over to the pavilion and attempted to return to the ruins. Using our “keys” and the code word seemed to do the trick. In a very obvious flash of light, we were whisked back, where immediately Gilroy was granted a shield. After returning to town and some indecisiveness, I heard some unnatural sounds coming from the coast nearby. There were these large crab-like monsters attempting to drag some of the halflings into the water. We engaged them, and after some very close calls and frustration of me experimenting with my new powers, and a very necessary summoning of Seasha, we slew them or drove them away with no casualties. We will eat well tonight. Hopefully the town doesn’t think the flash of light summoned them.

What.The.Fuck.

4th 2nd, 3241

I woke up at the church. I was expecting to still be caked in poultice. I should have needed at least a couple more days of treatment and rest to fully recover. But by some miracle there I was, just fine. I wished that this nightmare could just end but it seems that is not in the cards. I had to get out.

No one could know about my spontaneous…recovery. So I limped around the church holding my wounded arm. One of the girls directed me to a washing basin. It wasn’t a mirror, but it was enough to confirm what they said yesterday. The birth mark is different. I don’t know how or why. I need to know.

On my way out the Speaker stopped me. I didn’t notice him earlier but he could have been watching me. He might know…He said that the council would need to speak with me later today. I don’t remember what I said, but I just needed to get out so out I went, back to the place where the light erupted.

It’s worth than expected. The ground was scorched in the same new pattern on my face. It was definitely me! What.The.Fuck. I’m just a kid how could I do something like this?! I trashed the area so no one would see what I saw. Hopefully I can just lie my way out of it, it must be hearsay.

On my way back home I hugged the coast, free from prying eyes I could relax. Or so I thought. Passing the coast by the Sorastrophels Dazen came out to greet me. He seemed to mean well so I accepted his invitation to come inside. I don’t remember him being such a good hand at home that he could have fixed everything so fast. How did he do that?

His home was clean as well, freshly stocked and with a spiced porridge on the fire. I joined him for a meal and to discuss. He confided in me that yes he can do magic, and further, he can heal. How could someone with such amazing power keep it in secret? I don’t know but hiding out was incredibly selfish when he could have been helping people. He didn’t seem to do it out of ill will but he’s fooled himself into thinking it was an altruistic choice. Nevertheless, it was brave to speak so openly. So I shared what I knew: yes the light happened, around me, and I didn’t know how or why.

Something was wrong though. Something is always wrong now. We were drugged somehow. The world was bending, colors were streaming. Then a strange elf girl, or what looked like an elf, appeared. Her name is Gwyn and she gave Dazen some kind of power. She wrote in his book. Or he did. I’m not sure. But the book has writing now and it isn’t a language I recognize.

Soon the rest of Dazen’s crew arrived. Arius was staying on the farm. I like him. He is forthcoming. It’s a virtue I respect. I wish I had the luxury to be as forthcoming as he is. I need to stop getting into situations where that becomes impossible. It was extremely distasteful listening to them plot how best to lie to the council. Allieua needs to change if people who are trying to help are the one’s getting blamed. For my part I want to stay out of this scandal. I don’t know what happened, or why.

We gathered later at the church for the hearing. Hopefully the elders will realize that what I and the others did was an honest effort to help. I wish the truth would liberate us. Sadly I don’t think it will and I don’t see another way to go. I need to go home and get ready.

4th 1st, 3241 (cont)
We lit the branch as we headed into town. It was likely after midnight as we approached the triangle. It took some doing, but we were able to prop up the branch with the dirt and rubble. The Leader approached us and said we did well.

4th 2nd, 3241
I awoke this morning to see my mom’s face, something I will always be grateful for. I then spent some of the morning at my house cleaning up and doing repairs.

Around noon, Jadenhar picked me up and we walked to Dazen’s house. On the way there, I picked up a plain scabbard from the dwarven smiths for Daemon’s Death. It deserves something more extravagant, perhaps, but it would be best not to highlight what my townsfolk distrust.

Dazen’s house was meticulously cleaned and repaired when we arrived. This apparently had something to do with Gwen but I didn’t find out much about this. Dazen, Arius, and Gilroy were all at the house. This was a bit odd, but also convenient as we were to be together later as well. After we spoke for a time about our connection, I went back to continue repairs.

We were all summoned to the church for dusk. The topic of conversation was the events of the past day. Gilroy distanced himself from us. I was worried we’d have to talk individually but we were taken in as a group.

Dazen did most of the talking. He speaks well, and crafts the truth to suit our aims, but at the same time he may have been more focused on the story than the practical needs of the town. Of course, I would say the same for some of the council.

Probably the most significant achievement Dazen made was getting members of the town’s leadership to admit to magic use. It seemed only the Sheriff was completely shocked and offended by this. She was also the most wary of us. But it has now been spoken that the Elven Chief uses magic and that Jadenhar is the next chosen of the ancestors. The Keeper admitted to magic as well, and to healing others following the disaster. For my part, I offered to share my scribed knowledge of the ruins with the Speaker as the area is sacred to Speakers. I also pointed out that there is a very real problem of dragonmen becoming more brazen, or perhaps more desperate. They agreed, but the focus is still on us.

After we were released, we headed to the stage with Gilroy following after we were out of sight of others. Once again, we were faced with a challenging magical challenge to overcome. But while Arius and Jadenhar looked for writings on the stage, I touched Daemon’s Death to it and spoke “Allieua.”

We found ourselves in the ruins once again. Gilroy received his key item. It is a silver shield with a giant sunstone embedded in its face. That makes the five complete.

When we teleported back, we heard cries for help coming from the halfling area. We ran there and arrived barely in time to find several halflings under attack on the coast.

A pack of large crustaceans known as reefclaws came on shore and grabbed many halfling youths. Thus began a spectacular fight only written about in legends. Jadenhar used magic to make the seaweed and beach grass grab anybody on the beach. It didn’t discriminate between friend or foe but it made all the difference in saving the halflings.

I let Gilroy use my rapier but he struggled in this fight, throwing it and then his shield. I applaud his efforts. Meanwhile, Dazen ran into the water like a man gone wild and summoned Seesha who quickly went about destroying the reefclaws.

We all put up a good fight and ultimately none of us were lost. Gilroy ended up with a golden flaming halo on his head though I’m not sure what it means. He didn’t know either. With the fight over, Jadenhar used his magic to stop the plants from moving.

4th 1st, 3241 (cont)
From the stage, we walked toward the Triangle. Jadenhar spotted something on the ground. It was Gilroy Terring. Though I’ve met several of the Terrings, I knew there was something of note about this one, but I didn’t recall what it was. In any case, he was wounded by a meteor.

We helped him to his feet and he said he had to get to the Terring manor. Jadenhar also left us. He wanted to go to the southern peninsula to check on his family.

As we approached my house, we could hear Jaden calling out “mother” in elven. I found my mother and felt a wash of relief run over me. She was trying to help our neighbors and I joined her in her efforts while Dazen went to the Jewel.

We pulled out a girl, her arm broken. And eventually we rescued the mother, the son, and even the father. I told my mom to take them to the church and make sure she gets seen as well, just in case. The father chose to stay and help.

With that task complete, I went to the Triangle. Though my townsfolk needed my help, they would need much more if Dazen’s wish hadn’t been fully granted.

And indeed it was. I found Arius glowing violet in the midst of a bunch of rubble, the remains of the dais. I spotted something shining in the rubble but I couldn’t find it at first. We thought it might be the staff since there was so much debris.

Oddly enough, Gilroy then passed through the Triangle. He said there are more injured across the square that need tending and we should help. He also clearly didn’t trust Arius, but that’s nothing new. Nobody trusts him at first.

After we gave up on the shining object for, we went to the Jewel to help. Than and Gilroy were moving heavy boards off of the injured. Gilroy also seemed to have some skill with bandages. Arius unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, couldn’t resist helping with his powers. He didn’t have the strength to move boards on his own so he moved them with his mind. Gilroy left with an injured girl; Arius and I helped a few more people in need when Dazen arrived on horseback with his parents.

Arius and I went back to the Triangle to continue our search when we hear the telltale sound of the tsunami. We were nervous with anticipation, but a blue light appeared, signaling that Seesha was holding up to her part of the bargain. Only an inch of water washed over the town, putting out many of the fires. At the Triangle, it happened again.

Dazen joined us in the Triangle shortly after we arrived. Just then, all three of us were overcome with exhaustion, as if our energy was being sapped. I believe mine was being channeled through Daemon’s Death. I could see a massive tsunami over the treeline, ready to destroy our town once again. A golden light appeared behind us, splitting the sky. Seesha’s blue light wavered, but the golden light got even stronger and the tsunami was put down just like the others.

Dazen immediately went out in search of the source of the golden light. I could sense Arius’s eagerness to get the staff so we set about searching. Eventually we realized the only shiny things in the rubble were shards of smokestone. We each took some and headed for the golden light source.

A short walk away we found Dazen and Gilroy. His birthmark was much more pronounced, swirls of gold and black around his left eye. Arius used his rainbow power but got nothing. Gilroy was perhaps the source of the golden light, but what did that mean? It seemed like Dazen and Gilroy had things under control so we went to the stage.

Arius and I tried to activate it with many words, new and ancient, but none had any effect. So we went in search of Seesha and found her near Dazen’s house jumping in and out of the water. She didn’t know how to use the stage to get back and neither of us were interested in talking to her at the time so we headed all the way back to the church.

Everything was fine at the church and we finally got everybody back together when Dazen and Jaden showed up on horseback. Dazen healed Arius. That’s still going to take some getting used to. They explained the situation to us. We were still to be put on trial. Jaden mentioned the Chief’s druidic powers, as well as his own.

We knew we still had to get a branch. After passing Yllasys on the road north, we found Seesha in the water north of town. She offered to help us and had us step into the water. Dazen wasn’t good at swimming so she encased him in a bubble. I activated my sea powers I got from the ruins and found my hands and feet became webbed.

We swam our way north to the ruins with Seesha carrying Dazen. The cliff roses hundreds of feet to the base of the ruins with no way to climb. Seesha created a column of water that brought us all up to the tree and we stepped off.

We initially rushed to go in, but Dazen stopped Arius as retrieving his staff could cause the lights to show up again. Unable to come to a good conclusion, Dazen decided to see if Seesha can block the lights and jumped off the cliff. I got to work chopping the same branch I’d chopped off once before. Despite the fragile appearance of Daemon’s Death, it made quicker work of the branch than the woodman’s ax.

Over the next several hours, we retrieved Arius’s staff and tried to decipher the script covering the walls of the ruins, inside and out. We couldn’t get into the room that created the staff at first, but Dazen touched his book to the door and it opened.

We made three significant discoveries while we were there: 1) Dazen learned from Seesha has real name and how to call her. 2) I copied down much of the walls’ writings for later deciphering and found that they addressed three topics, one being the room, one being the arch, and the last being lost to time as the wall it was on collapsed long ago. 3) There are four of us now, but somewhere there is a fifth.

Today, the first day of spring and the day of the ritual of the First Fire proved to be the most important day of my life to that point. I’ll tell the tale from the beginning, though it may seem mundane at first it may prove important at some later date.

It started like most days, lethargic and drowsy in the manor. I was to stay out of the way, head down, do what was told and not cause any trouble. After loading up some wagons I set out with Bom and a few others to make some rounds. Sometimes I think a lot of this is for show but people always seem to be grateful for Bom’s help. And there’s always work needing to be done. There’s no such thing as an idle hand on the farm. Mercifully when I’m at work there I’m free of grief and sour faces. Even if I don’t get one with most folk when push comes to shove, or lift, or haul, or break, we do what needs get done.

It was a long day. A good day by my reckoning since all my muscles ached and I was more or less caked with proof of a good day’s labor. The Leader says next year I should be ready for the First Fire group. It seems like a lot of fuss when there’s actual work to do at home. I quickly dismissed the thought and took the chance to walk freely before the ceremony started. Lisben was kind enough to give me some sweet pie. She’s a nice girl.

As the last light was fleeing we gathered at the Triangle. Than was hard at work as the Leader called three to take part: Dazen, Yllasys’ brother, Jadenhar, an elf, and Vindral, a guardsman I’d seen around. They set off with Dazen’s usual pomp. After they left I helped out with setting up the Triangle for their return. The Keeper, Speaker, and Leader all made appearances during preparation and most townsfolk were bid to go home, rest and get ready. Ulerth had me stay to keep working while most of my kin went back to the manor. Eventually we finished up and I got to head back home to clean and change.

That’s when things first started to get weird. I didn’t notice at first but there was a sudden hush, then whispers. I looked around and followed the eyes of the people nearby. All pointed north to the forbidden ruins. There were all sorts of strange lights and dancing shadows. I’d never seen the like before. People were talking about the First Fire group. But that didn’t make sense. They should have gone to the tree, got the branch, and came back. The ruins were way out of the way. But still, why go there tonight?

Sheriff Aniya told me to hurry home and warn Bom and the rest that something was wrong. I took off at a trot. I wasn’t halfway there when the sky flashed with a furious violet; the screams were slower than the thunder. It was close. Then the ground shook and there was fire and smoke. I don’t recall exactly what happened when all hell broke loose on us because in my confusion I didn’t notice that fiery rocks were streaking into the ground. One struck right around me. I couldn’t dodge. My head was spinning, my skin burning. I lay in a crumpled heap.

I don’t know how long I was out but when I came to it was the same horrible night. I could still make out the screams, the fire, that horrible din that just seemed to permeate everything. I needed to get up but I just wanted so bad to lay there and sleep. But some people showed up calling out, so I called back for help. I’m not sure but I could have sworn it was the guys from the First Fire. But if they were out at the ruins, and now are here I must have passed out for a while. They asked if I was ok. The elf said to go to the church as that’s where they were gathering wounded. Burns be damned though, if there were wounded around I could help. So I took off to the manor to grab my supplies.

Were they wearing priceless gems when they left earlier?

Bom was overseeing preparations to bring food, water, supplies and aid to the town proper. I was glad to see he was ok and he seemed to feel the same about me, directing me to go find Illasys to have my wounds looked at. My family was there at the manor. They were all fine. So was the manor now that I think of it. All of the damage and chaos seemed to be behind me, all the more reason to hurry. Once I was geared up Illasys tried to stop me from leaving but relented after applying some soothing ointments. I’d need to get real care soon though or the burns would leave permanent scars. I’ve got enough of those.

I took off to the Jewel to get in the thick of it. There was some strange shadow dancing in the West. It wasn’t made by the fire. I set it aside though as I needed to get people out of there. I dropped my pack and started ferrying people to the bridge on the way to the church. If the elf was right that’s where people should go. But when we came into view of the Triangle it was a cratered mess of shattered stone. And who was there but that man Vindral and some strange person with glowing violet eyes. He was wearing Vindral’s cloak, and nothing else it seemed. It didn’t make sense. Who was that man with the eyes? I’d never seen him before but he and Vindral seemed to know each other. I shouted at them to come and help. Whoever they were they needed to stop standing around chit chatting when people were dying. It made me so damn angry.

Shortly they did come to help and that’s when the day got even weirder. In the Jewel Than and I were trying to dig out a girl who was buried in wreckage. I was holding up a beam and Than was trying to get the girl awake. Bastard nearly killed her. I yelled for us to switch and got a kit from my pack. I was able to staunch the bleeding when Vindral and the purple man (he has gems in his head!) arrived. Somehow the beam Than was holding flew through the air but not by Than. The gem man did it…with magic?! It was inconceivable but there it was right in front of me. Somehow this man had tossed a beam aside without touching it. There was more to him than it seemed and since he was friends with Vindral, more to him as well. Maybe they really were at the ruins causing those strange lights.

Regardless of whatever crazy stuff had happened this girl needed help. I did my best to hold her carefully and took off to the church to get her help. There were a lot of people gathered there already. It was a mess. But there could still have been more people trapped in their houses. They could suffocate or burn to death. I couldn’t let that happen again so I took off instead of staying for myself. Things were settling down back in town and door to door searches were being organized. At this point my ability to believe or disbelieve what I was seeing was completely expended. I had no choice but to accept that a thin sheet of water was washing over the town. Then it ROSEOVERTHEDAMNEDBUILDINGS! Now the town was coated in mud and cloaked in steam and smoke. The fires were probably all out.

I realized that most people probably didn’t pay much heed to the hovels so that was my next destination. I ordered people to get to the church for treatment and get away from buildings to avoid danger. This place had conspicuously arrayed damage though. I couldn’t help but notice it even in the chaos. It was like something huge had crashed down and blasted everything away from where it landed. I tried to go investigate but was stopped in my tracks. It felt like my heart was broken as I was overwhelmed. It was like that day, like today, but a hundred, no, a thousand times stronger. Someone, or a thousand someones, needed me, pleaded for me, but all in an instant. I couldn’t resist it.

Suddenly I realized the small folk were shorter than normal and I couldn’t feel the ground beneath my feet. I was floating! Then everything was gone like I’d stared into the sun. They say that some strange light came from me and shot into the sky. People shied away or ran from me. My birthmark was on fire and I could barely stand once I fell to the ground. The only thing I could think of was getting out. I tried to take off running for the church but the best I could do was stagger there with the help of a fallen branch. Dazen showed up out of nowhere before I got very far. Then gem man, his name is Arius, and Vindral came after him. They think I made the light. They also said my birthmark had…grown. That’s impossible. I tried to dismiss it and begged to get to the church. But first gem man shot some rainbow beam at me. Dazen said he was doing it to get a better look at my wounds. What could I do to stop him? Dazen got me there and saw to it that I was looked after, I suppose. I passed out.

When I came to Illasys was there. She said I saved a lot of lives. It probably wasn’t enough. But every time she said that she asked about the light. I told her the truth, part of it anyway. I didn’t know what happened and I didn’t do anything. None of this was my fault. How could I have done that? I’m no gem man, no witch. It was getting aggravating how she kept saying I made the light. Why focus on me when it was her damn brother who was cavorting with that strange man who was doing magic out in the open! She wanted me to go to the manor. I can’t quite explain why but I didn’t want to go back there, not yet. I hadn’t seen my face yet and I was still pretty exhausted. I said I’d rest here, help tend to the wounded, and then return home. She offered some medicine and I accepted. I dozed off then.

Everything else that happened that night was told to me later. I don’t know how much to believe but I suppose after everything I’ve seen it might as well be true. Apparently there was a water spirit, an actual spirit, here in Allieua. Not only that but she was working with Dazen, Arius, Vindral and the elf, Jaden. They had struck some bargain whereby she was saved the town from massive waves. I don’t know how she did it but I guess I owe her my life and so does everyone else in town. For that I’m thankful.

Dazen confronted the leaders while I was asleep. He suspects them of using magic. There was no fighting, just posturing, and he agreed to go fetch the branch from the ruin. I don’t quite understand how this all fit together but even though they were at the ruin, they didn’t get the branch “that time” so they needed to go back. They got to the ruin with the help of the spirit. The place is old, really old. And not all of it is the same age. They were trying to get back to some secret chamber that had been open the last time they were there (when was that?). They spent a good long while there studying ancient runes and inscriptions. They figured out that the ruin responded to these specific items held by specific people. Some kind of magic, I don’t get it. They were trying to get Arius his staff that I guess he left there for some reason. Dazen got them in with his book and they retrieved the staff. With branch in hand and staff retrieved they set off to return to the town. They wanted to pretend like they’d walked there and back. Probably wise.

Before they left though, they were able to make out what some of the writings in the ruins said. It alluded to people with the items and the ability to open the chamber. But it didn’t say there were four. It said there was a fifth.

Sometimes wishing for things can make them better...

Usually I fall asleep with the night sky and stars above me, but last night was different. Last night I slept in the church, broken and bloodied, like so many of us in town. My mother lay across from me, leg in a splint and covered in bruises. Last night reminded me why I need to get out of this place, and into the sky.

I’m actually very surprised I slept, all things considered, but when I woke up I thought I was dreaming. I felt fantastic, rested and healed of my wounds. It was unreal! There was something else though; that strange feeling I had during the fight with the dragon men was back. Some deep welled up feeling building inside me. At the time I knew I was too scared to be horny. And in a church across from my mother, I definitely knew I was too sad to be horny. What was it?

I kept my bandages on to avoid suspicion. Well… to avoid further suspicion.

The townspeople have been acting pretty suspicious, and with good cause, about the lights in the ruins, followed by several disasters, followed by the emergence of a man with moving crystals in a staff he insists you touch (no pun in tended) to speak with him. This is the same man we now call friend. He is a man with crystals in his head that can do some type of magic called “psionics”. Wherever he comes from, I don’t think they know what tact is. He seems like he has good intentions, but kind of socially inept. I’m trying to help him as much as I can.

So after checking the wounds under my bandages, where there are no scars or indication I was wounded, I went over to my mom and kissed her sleeping head. She’s going to be okay, but it is hard to do anything when I know she’s hurt, and when we don’t know where my father went.

Vindral came in just as I was stepping away from my mom. We exchanged some quick conversation regarding our families – status reports – and ended up asking one of the girls in the church where his mother (Anabelle) was resting.

The girl ended up taking us to a separate room. Apparently Vindral’s mom wasn’t doing very well. I went with him, partly as a result of his implied request, but mostly because I think he’s one of the nice people around here, and he’s pretty skilled with a blade (based on what I know).

When we got to the room, we both said our hellos, and Vindral obviously talked to her at length to help comfort her. For my part, I ended up singing a story about sleeping amongst the comforting wool of the sheep on a farm. I think I did okay because his mom was asleep by the end of it, and the girl with us wiped some tears from her eyes. I hope I didn’t upset her.

Vindral was grateful for my song, which was nice to hear considering it’s a rarity at home. Once we left the church we decided to ask where my sister, Arius, and Jayden were. We asked the guards and they didn’t really have any information, so we tried the triangle. Apparently Vindral let Arius sleep at the triangle. Nice guy, but another one who might need some social instruction.

On our way to the Terren house we found the sheriff, my sister, Arius, and some guards walking back towards town with Arius in chains. After exchanging some choice words with the sheriff, Vindral and I headed with them to the prison.

Vindral, Jayden, and I went to see Skark’s body, and found that the dragon man with him died from a meteor, where Skark likely died as a result of ambush.

After several conversations with the guards, the leader, the sheriff, Jayden and so on, it was decided that Arius would be released into Jayden and Vindral’s custody (ouch – my pride). The main release for the release was to find the Speaker, who was likely kidnapped by the dragon men.

We followed the trail left by said dragon men and ended up finding them. The fight began as I’ve gotten used to… everyone doing something while I try to do something. I threw two separate daggers Vindral let me borrow; neither of them came close. I’mm pretty sure one of the dragon men laughed at me. Ouch – my pride.

And I forgot to mention, during our travels to find the dragon men, a very large branch fell down on my midsection. Then I tried getting over the fallen branch, injured, to no avail. The guys had to help me. Ouch – my pride.

Anyway, after I threw that second dagger and missed I took out my mysterious book that Arius insists is magical (after trying some rainbow trick). The book made that energy inside me well up even stronger to the point where I could bring it out. So I did, and I’ll never forget anything about it.

It was a silver and night blue color that burst from me and put a hole right through one of the dragon men. I’ve never felt so strong. Unfortunately, I figured it out too late and Vindral got so injured he passed out. We killed the remaining dragon men. Me, with my starfire, Jayden with his sling, and Arius with his psionic fire, but we were too late. The Speaker’s throat was cut and he died. Damn it.

Fortunately for the rest of us, my book also unlocked some kind of healing power, like Fweri’s, so I woke Vindral up with some healing and used it on the rest of us. The ability to heal another’s wounds in a matter of seconds is a god-like feeling I can’t even describe. It’s… well, it’s magical. I never want to lose it.

We returned to town, saddened by the loss of yet another member of our town, reported the bad news and then split up again. Vindral wanted my help with his mother, considering my new found healing powers, and I agreed without hesitation.

As fate would have it, we were too late… again. Vindral’s mother passed away and though she may have been sleeping when she passed (she looked peaceful), she was alone. No one should be alone when they die Let it be said now that even if it’s one of those dragon men hovering over me, I don’t want to die alone.

I wasn’t really sure what to do so I just did what comes naturally and started singing a song about a long restful sleep after a long hard journey. Vindral broke down crying and grabbed onto me for a hug. It was an honor. It’s an odd thing to consider, using my voice and charm to help make people feel better, rather than just getting my way or into a girl’s bed. I want to do meaningful things with my music more often, though not for such sad reasons.

To add to the bad news, we learned that the town planned on detaining Arius indefinitely, so I walked through the woods with him to the hills I know Fweri usually stays. She agreed to let him stay once we explained some of our days pursuits.

On my way back I kept remembering the voice and figure I saw by the stone pillar in the triangle – Seesha. She said I could make any wish and she would grant it. At first I was against it, but with so much tragedy I had to consider it and she seemed to enjoy talking with me, so I went to the triangle.

Without any provocation, she started talking and saying the same things as she said before. Let me out. I’m trapped. I don’t know why. I’m a water spirit. Make a wish and I’ll grant it.

I needed some more time to learn about her, so while asking her questions I told several stories about the sea and sailors. She loved it, and I think was growing quite fond of me. I finally decided to let her out and make my wish. After several hits with an ax and several blasts of starfire, she emerged – beautiful, blue, flowing, and huge.

I needed more time to word my wish, so I kept asking her for advice, then she said something that really intrigued me. She said she could take us back, but I would have to let her out again. While that didn’t make sense to me at first, the more I thought about it and the more she talked about it the more I understood. She was some kind of spirit that could use the power of water and the triangle to go back in time. I’m in.

“I wish the rock Arius landed in struck only the dais in town, breaking it and harming no people, releasing Seeshi in time for her to save the town from the tidal waves and present Arius as a GOOD omen.”

Her response: “That could work! Remember this: Alleua Amer.”

And then the next thing I knew I was in the ruins with Jayden and Vindral, rested, healed, and safely in a NOT destroyed glowing building.

I very quickly explained my wish, and then said, “Alleau amer”, when suddenly a weird magical window opened to the town…

[Editor’s note: the veracity of Vindral’s claims about time travel in this journal entry have not been verified. The wisest among us know of no reliable way to confirm its happening. Or they have refused to investigate for reasons unsaid. All his entries are left unchanged, for you to judge him as you will.]

4th 2nd, 3241
I awoke feeling rested, but still injured. The note was gone and in it’s placed was a small pouched tied to a tree with one of the white ribbons Gwyn sometimes wears in her hair. Within were blueberries, but when I ate them I felt very full and my wounds felt better. I ate enough to feed Than and some of my wounds were completely healed. There is more to Gwyn than meets the eye, but I’ve always felt she was special and worth protecting. As it turns out, I’m the one that needed protecting this time.

As I entered town I could smell smoke. The smell was too strong to simply be the branch, but it is still burning.

My mom wasn’t with everybody else at the church. I found Dazen who admitted to me that he felt significantly better but would feign injury. Magic of some sort? He said his mother is ok, his sister was never hurt, but his father was swept out to sea. At the time, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose a parent.

One of the girls working there brought us to a private room where they were keeping my mother. She was having fits and was being treated for a fever. Dazen sang a nice song while I talked to her which helped her sleep. This is the last time I would see her alive.

Outside the church, I filled Dazen in on the situation. Then we went back to the guards to ask if they know where Arius, Jadenhar, or Dazen’s sister are, but they didn’t know. We decided to leave the dragonman for later and nobody was in the triangle so we we went to the Terring manor to Find Dazen’s sister.

On the way to the manor, we found Arius, under arrest by the Sheriff, with guards and Yllasys holding Arius’s staff. I told Arius in Old Pryma that he shouldn’t use his powers until we can help him.

Once we got to Arius’s cell, we found Master Kerlen. His arm was broken and he said he had to swim back to town and I don’t doubt the truth of his tales. He is a stronger man than me.

Arius was allowed to use the staff to communicate and talked about what we could do but ultimately we had to leave him there and Yllasys was entrusted with the staff. Dazen and I went south to the Southern Peninsula and found Jadenhar coming from the beach area. It seems he used our newfound power to swim across. We filled him in about the situation and Scark’s death and he asks to be lead to the body.

It wasn’t long before we found it again. Scark had been stabbed many times and has some smoke bomb residue. The kobold was burned, likely hit by one of the sky rocks. Dealing with the bodies was a job for the Keeper so we sought him out in the church. The leader found us and said he wanted to join us. He said we could investigate but not leave town.

Jadenhar and I tracked the creatures. Four were carrying something, one led the group, two trailed in back, and one followed from farther back. We followed their tracks until they crossed a main road and waited for the leader there. When he found us, he told us we could seek out the dragonmen if we wished and I asked if we could have permission to use Arius.

Not long after he left, Yllasys approached us with the staff. She gave it to use and said we have permission to use Arius, so we went to fetch him. The Master didn’t seem to trust that we had permission, but allowed us to take him on our word.

When we get away from the people there, Arius had some of my berries so his wounds could heal. Then we followed the dragonmen trail out of town. The hope was that we could find the Speaker, not just get vengeance for Scark. The Speaker went missing just before the disaster and the dragonmen were the most likely culprits.

While on the trail, Arius used his rainbow power to see if the Dazen’s book is magical and he said it definitely is. I’m starting to understand a bit more about how this all works, but it’s still very confusing.

This is when unfortunately we weren’t paying attention to our surroundings and a damaged tree limb fell on us. I let Dazen have a berry as he was wounded again.

Several hours into the journey, we found the dragonmen camp. We tried to sneak in but they heard us. We began the battle with thrown weapons, followed by me charging in and killing one of them. But then the leader breathed acid and I couldn’t stand any longer.

I awoke to see Dazen, my trusted companion of the day. He found out how to use his book and the power within him. They say he used blasts of starfire to kill the dragonmen and that he healed me with a touch, similar to Fweri.

We were too late to save the Speaker. So we brought his body back and left it with the Keeper. We also were able to bring back the lead dragonman. Arius could understand him and with the staff any of us could talk to him. I didn’t trust him though. He did not mean well for us. He even tried to breath acid on the Sheriff but thankfully Dazen pushed her out of the way.

Then we went to see my mom. And she had already passed. I won’t lie. It was the worst feeling I’ve ever had. I’ve always wondered what it would have been like to know my dad, but that’s not sadness. Not real sadness. I could see that sadness on my mom’s face any time she talked about him, but I didn’t feel it. Now I know what that look means and what it felt like for her. The sense of loss is immense, unspeakable.

Back at the jail, Jadenhar said something about meditating. I don’t remember the details. Dazen arranged for me to have a room at the Terring manor. They took good care of me.

4th 1st, 3241 (again)
This is the first time I’ve ever had to write a journal entry again. In fact, I had to write in the details of the past two entries again. I may have missed some things or gotten information wrong due to fading memories. But I suspect the account is accurate. I don’t want to forget the ordeal of the past two days, even if we did get a chance to do better.

After Dazen left me at the Terring manor, he returned to the Triangle. He broke the stone, releasing the water spirit within. She wasn’t lying. She granted him a wish. He worded it in a strange but clever way. Dazen, Jadenhar, and I awoke…or appeared in the room full of mystic power, just after we received our gifts. Arius would fall into the stone, releasing Seesha. In theory, Seesha could then stop the impending tsunamis.

Dazen was also told to remember a phrase: “Allieua amer”. We found ourselves on the old stage in the woods behind my house. We had a second chance, but still had work to do.

4th 1st, 3241 (cont)
As we continued heading toward Alleiua, we heard another wave. I tried to keep my spirits up, but there was no telling what we would find. From a cliff, I could see my fears were confirmed. Much of the town was submerged. Jadenhar has good eyes and got an even better look at the damage.

As we got closer, Arius tried to light the tree on fire. He used something called psionics, which caused a line of fire to shoot from his chest. It wasn’t hot enough though so I lit it with my torch.

In the north of town, we could see that the dwarven homes had their ceilings caved in. We didn’t see anybody wondering around so we continued. Many of the trees were broken, the fields ruined.

We found the triangle empty. We did our duty and placed the branch as traditions deemed fit. Quite a bit of steam was produced by the fire. And just then we saw blue eyes in the steam and the outline of a mouth, sneering at us. It began speaking to us in Aquan, which only Arius understands.

The spirit said its name was Seesha and demanded that we free it. Over the course of the night, it made several promises and also spoke to the rest of us in languages we could understand. It said it was the spirit of the sea and could stop our town from being destroyed. It even said it could bring back the dead, as we would find many bodies.

At this point though, we didn’t have the strength of will to free such a creature. So Jadenhar and I went to my house to find my mom. We found it collapsed, but thankfully found my mom in a neighbor’s house. She was barely alive and suffering from a head wound, but we were able to get her to the healers (the Keeper and Khalia at the time) who were treating people in the church.

Back at the triangle, I find Dazen also eager to find his family. He goes in search of then and Jadenhar goes to the southern peninsula. While Arius is a friendly fellow, his presence did not afford me much comfort, so after a short time I went to see if I could find Gwyn. I left a note for her at the usual spot. There is nowhere else I would expect to find her. The southern peninsula perhaps, but that’s never been the case before. I hope she’s alright.

I return to the triangle once more and it’s not long before the Leader and others enter the triangle. They don’t believe our story and dont’ trust Arius. Instead, the Leader says I am in trouble. Even Than doesn’t believe me. I suddenly felt very alone standing near a water spirit and a man from the heavens.

In the woods near the triangle, Than finds Scark dead near a dead green dragonman. I’m not sure why they are there, but maybe with all these disasters the dragonmen are more bold, or more desperate. Either way, I hope it was the right choice to let Than and the others decide what to do about it.

Shortly after that, we saw Dazen go by on a wagon with his sister. Dazen tried to heal himself, but if he was capable of any healing magic, or psionics, it didn’t seem to do anything.

Finally, Jadenhar came back and I explain the things that have happened. He then goes back to dig out more bodies at the jewel. I’m not sure why, with so many problems, and so much wrong, and so many dead. But who am I to question another in this situation?

Arius suddenly emitted a loud hum and his eyes gained a silver hue. A rainbow, an actual rainbow, came out of him and he said he was detecting psionics around him. He mentioned around that time that he doesn’t think he is from this world and I can’t say I disagree.

We go to talk to Jadenhar about potentially just breaking the stone and freeing the spirit. He advises against it. Arius finally found himself some clothes and we went to the church.

People there are very quiet thanks to Arius. He made then all nervous. Dazen’s sister, Yllasys, said we should go outside for Arius’s treatment. I’m glad she was helpful.

After his treatment, we went back to the triangle once more. I told the spirit in the mist that we wouldn’t be freeing it tonight. Arius went to get some blankets and when he returned went to sleep right in the middle of the triangle, against my advice. But there’s only so much I can do.

I knew the fate of most of those closest to me, Than alive, Lisben dead, my mother wounded but in good care. The leaders of our community were helping those they could. But I was helpless. I sit now in awaiting Gwyn in the forest. I hope she’s ok.

This will be a brief rundown of the events that occurred last session.

Each PC awoke on the day of the festival. They each handled their own family business and then headed in towards the town. Each one in their own way was somehow selected for a ritual that involved travelling out to a tree to cut down a branch and come back with it lit on fire. It was said that the longer it burned the better fortune the town would have. The young men set off towards the tree, noticing a rabbit pelt they realized a local orc was helping them find the way.

They headed along the path and finally came to the tree however it was on fire. As they moved in to investigate they were ambushed by the creatures that set the tree on fire. After a tough battle the leader was finally taken out which caused the subordinates to flee. Not wanting to head back to the town empty handed they headed towards another tree that they knew about north of town in the ruins.

Along the way they ran into the local “witch” who used her magic to heal the 3 PCs as well as lead them in the proper direction. Once they reached the ruin they had to solve a puzzle in order to open a magical door (pouring water and saying “Big Water” in Aquan) Once behind the door they saw the tree and cut a branch off (which took a while.) As they were heading out of the ruin a meteor shower began sending large rocks hurling down from the sky. They decided to take shelter in a room but after a short time a “meteor” came crashing into that room nearly killing (Corey’s Char). They soon discovered there was a strange naked man laying in the crater . After waking him up they realized he had no memory and the only person that knew a similar language was (Rich’s Char). He agreed to help them carry the branch back to their town and they headed out.

Before they left the ruin they found astrange glowy light that everyone stepped in and came out of the light with a new item, (as described in your email from Rob). Then they began heading towards town. As they were walking they relaized there was a tidal wave incoming. They moved further inland to avoid being hit which worked. However, judging by the way it was coming in it surely hit their hometown. (I would feel bad but I think my planet exploded so I don’t feel bad about your one town) Session ended there and willbe picked up there.

Preface

Collected below are the journals of Vindral Melchius. Not all are included for not all are needed to tell his remarkable story. The journals collected here chronicle his humble beginnings and the journey into who he eventually became. But it is not his story alone. He shared it with others, as you shall soon see. Let these journals be a lesson to you, dear reader, for that is what Vindral would have wanted most of all.

4th 1st, 3241

This day marked the first day of spring, usually a happy occasion for Allieua. Unfortunately, it was also the biggest tragedy I’ve ever known. It began simply enough, with the festival. I helped my mother and her friends get set up for the festival. I even got some of Lisben’s marvelous food for my trouble, not once but twice! I can almost taste them.

The festival went well. I introduced Than and Lisben who seemed to get along well. Rilla tried to get me to go to the Jewel and dance with her. She’s very nice, pretty too, but much as I try I’m not a skilled dancer.

When I spoke to Speaker Varathora, he urged me to be one of the volunteers for the First Fire. I hadn’t put a lot of thought into it before, but I knew I was ready and I spoke to Leader Tharilos to sign up.

There were two other volunteers. One was Jadenhar Eytherettln, an elf, skilled with a scimitar. He has served on the guard before and is a respectable fighter, but I will get to that. The other was Dazen Sorastraphel, a renowned singer. I had heard of him before from Lisben. I don’t think it was anything good, but I don’t recall what she said. My experience with him so far is that he is a good man, with good intentions.

My mom was of course against the idea of me being involved in the ceremony. She said it was too dangerous. Her words didn’t seem ominous at the time. But the danger turned out to be everywhere, not just where I went.

We met at dusk in the triangle and set off to the north. Jadenhar led us most of the way, though we had to backtrack at one point. This was the first time the three of us ever spoke and we got to know each other, if only a little.

When we finally approached the special tree, something was very wrong. We could smell smoke on the air. When it came into our vision, we found it to be on fire. As we went closer to investigate, things got even worse. Dragonmen jumped out from hiding and attacked us. They had spears and one of them even breathed fire.

It seemed there were too many and we initially decided to run away but they overwhelmed us. Dazen didn’t seem one for fighting and neither Jadenhar nor I had ever killed a man, even a dragonman. Still we fought. I tried to focus on those attacking Dazen while Jadenhar focused on the leader. Once the leader fell, the others fled, leaving us with a charred husk of a tree and no way to bring a good omen back to town.

I took a piece of the tree as evidence of what happened and we talked about what could be done. Dazen had heard stories from sailors that another tree of the same species lived in the ruins to the north. Being that I’ve wanted to visit those ruins for some time I had no objection to the idea. We went north.

Along the way we chanced to run into Fweri. She was able to heal our wounds, but with magic, not simple remedies or poultices. I was astounded at the time, but what happened since dwarfed that event.

She warned us to be careful and we were off. It didn’t take long for us to reach the ruins. They were quite unusual to say the least. I hope to have more time with them. They were not safe in the least, with entire sections lost to time or the sea. A large courtyard stood open with many ancient statues, most of them encrusted in various gems. Surely this was a castle for some noble person at some point.

But we weren’t there for gems. We found a fifty foot wall blocking our path to the tree. With none of us experienced climbers we were stuck. The wall had ancient runes on it and after a time we were able to puzzle out what some of them meant. They all seemed to have something to do with water, but the full script was not clear to us. Jadenhar put a bit of water on the wall and my second experience with magic began. A door was outlined with light. A bit more water made the outline stronger. But we were still unable to get through. It seemed we were stuck. Until, on a whim, I said Allieua and our way became clear.

We found the tree and with many swings of Dazen’s ax, we were able to recover a branch.

Just then, the sky started falling. I guess it would be more accurate to say stars were falling out of the sky. We took a meager amount of cover within the ruins, but still were struck by debris. The event didn’t last too long, but we were all still hurt, especially Dazen.

And where one particularly large star fell, there was a crater. And within the crater, there was a man. He was naked, with gems embedded in his head, but he was alive, and unharmed by his journey. I, perhaps foolishly, aimed my sword and him and demanded answers for what was happening.

He was unable to speak our languages, though I was able to speak one of us, Old Pryma. I guess for him that would just be Pryma. It seems my studies are good for something. The man didn’t remember anything, or at least not much. But some of his memories came back to him bit by bit.

I gave him my cloak to cover himself and he decided that a suitable name to call him was Arius.

What happened next was probably the most significant event of my life. There was a door, unseen before the star shower. Jadenhar went in while we were talking to Arius. Within he descended to a circle in the middle of the room. Light, or magic I suppose, sparkled throughout the room and became more and more wild as Jadenhar got closer to the circle. We could hear some kind of chanting or singing. Jadenhar seemed hesitant to enter the circle but I wanted to know what would happen so I urged him to go in.

Jadenhar suddenly found himself covered in new armor. The leathers were deep greens and browns, studded with wood, a curious choice. Over his heart was a green gem. It was wondrous.

The rest of us joined him on the circle and the room’s magic repeated, but each of us got a different gift (I see no other appropriate word). Dazen received a book, bound in very dark leather with silver accents and a blue crystal at the center. It appeared to have stars twinkling on the cover and I’m not sure the twinkling was my imagination.

I received a sword. It was some manner of rapier, though unlike any I’ve seen or could even make. The blade was split down the center and jagged. There’s no way an ordinary blade of such make would last through a single strike so it must have been forged with powerful magic. The hilt was adorned with a gem of dark blue. It’s magnificent. And its name was revealed to me as well: Daemon’s Death. I didn’t speak its name. Neither did the others, so I don’t know if their gifts also have names.

Even Arius received a gift. His was a silver staff, the metal somehow dyed violet. The tip was made up of two small amethysts and very large violet-covered diamond. This staff proved quite useful as every time Arius spoke we understood him.

As we left the room, it closed its way to us once again. What was the purpose of this shrine? Is something expected of us? We do not know.

The others seemed frustrated with the communication barrier with Arius. I asked to hold his staff and suddenly everybody understood when I spoke Old Pryma. Then we all held the staff and found all of us understanding all languages we spoke. It’s an awkward way to carry on a conversation, but it works.

It was around this time I began worrying of home. If the sky was bombarded us here, would it not also have hit the town? A quick observation confirmed our suspicions. We took the branch as intended. We hoped it could still provide some hope, but we were also worried about our friends and families.

Not long after setting out, Jadenhar heard a noise to the west. The low rumbling turned out to be a massive wave. We moved inland to avoid the worst of it, but our worries were just increased for the town.